When it comes to weather in Alabama the only thing that we can count on is that we can’t count on it at all. The weather never tends to stay the same for more than a few days — and in some cases more than a few hours. As the seasons change and the cold weather creeps in, we must remember our duty to look out for each other.

When the winter cold snaps arrive it is important to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and homebound.

Sudden changes in weather is known to cause anything from symptoms like joint pains to sending your immune system into overdrive.

The spirit of neighborly kindness isn’t one that is just meant to be reserved for the holidays or weekends. If the weather drops below freezing, and you know you have elderly or homebound neighbors, take a few minutes out of your day to knock on their door and check on them. Make sure they have enough blankets, that their heat is working, or that they have a space heater properly set up.

They say Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, but when it comes to neighbors and neighborly love, we’d like to see Selma high on that list. Checking in on a neighbor doesn’t have to take more than five minutes, but it could potentially help prevent a serious illness caused by the rapid drop or rise in temperature.

Do something nice for your neighbor in this season of unpredictable Alabama weather. Prove to each other that people still care about people more than things or more than themselves. Let’s put Selma on the map for being neighborly and looking out for each other. It’s something that should and could be done all year long.

In the summer when the temperature spikes to a sweltering all time high, go next door and make sure your neighbors and the elderly have water to drink and if needed a fan.

So get out there. Knock on doors, and ask how your neighbors are doing. Be a friend, and help prevent a potential illness.