By MARY LANDRIEU

This has been a difficult summer for many of us in Louisiana. Authorities in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas are searching for a serial killer who’s struck at least three times.

And, across the state, emergency personnel and health officials are fighting the worst outbreak of the deadly West Nile virus.

The authorities, from the local to the federal level, are making every possible effort to resolve both of these critical situations.

I have every confidence that the person responsible for these crimes will ultimately be brought to justice, and that the outbreak of the virus will be stopped.

I also believe there are important lessons we can all learn from the tragic events of these last few months.

Even more so than we normally do, this is the time for all us of us to look out for each other.

If you live alone, or know someone who does – particularly a female – set up a system of calling or coming by to check on her.

Ask her to have a phone, preferably a cell phone, by her bed. Make a commitment to be a little more in touch with your family and friends.

Educate yourself about the virus, and how it is spread.

Know what steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones – including staying indoors at sundown and wearing repellant. Rid your home and community of areas that might attract or breed mosquitoes.

If you have elderly neighbors who may not be aware of the precautions they should take, help them to stay informed. Offer to remove old tires or containers with standing water.

Most of this is common sense. But it comes down to making an extra effort to care for ourselves and the people around us.

In Louisiana, that shouldn’t be hard. This is a state that is full of close, caring communities, where neighbors look out for each other, and help out in time of need.

This is such a time. I encourage each of you to make this effort.

MARY LANDRIEU represents Louisiana in the United States Senate. You may visit her official web site at http://www.senate.gov/~landrieu/