I believe it was in my first column published in The Vicksburg Post in October where I listed by Southern credentials. I professed my love for such things as sweet tea and the wave you get from a passing motorist.

One of the items — among many — that I failed to list was the sound of rain on a metal roof, or the feeling you get during the spring when you open up the doors and windows of your home and let the fresh air blow through.

Then again, there are things I would happily renounce my southern heritage for if they were quickly removed; pollen and mosquitos.

It is not that I have a tough time with allergies, but the fact that I find my self tearing up and sniffling while writing this anything but emotional column should give you some sort of idea that I have an allergy problem.

Often times I advise people not to wish me the courteous “God bless you,” until I have finished off the fourth consecutive sneeze. You just don’t want to waste a bless you until the round of sneezes is fully over.

Mosquitos on the other hand are something those of us in the south should simply take pride in.

We often use phrases like “we sure grow them big around here” as we talk about what should be our southern bird. There have been times living in the South when I have found a mosquito or two that are large enough and worthy of a saddle.

But while we face the jokingly talk about the perils of pollen and mosquitos, this time of the year brings with it something far less funny; severe weather.

Last week, Warren County Emergency Management Agency Director John Elfer reminding residents that “the most dangerous things we face are tornadoes. Mississippi is the most active tornado state in the world.”

Elfer’s comments came following a set of heavy storms that raced through the area last week.

In his comments that appeared in an article in The Post, Elfer offered such tips as developing a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water and a variety of other items.

But while all of that is crucial advice — in addition to the other suggestions such as a weather radio and evacuation plans — I’d have to admit he left out one important item in the storm kit … bug spray and allergy medicine; you have to admit, those are must haves.

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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.