Saturday, August 27, 2011

Alone in the Car: Hurricane Irene

I must admit I watched some 24 hour t.v. news stations as the storm got closer to landfall. My husband and I took a vacation to North Carolina and the Outer Banks 3 years ago and every time the newscaster mentioned one of the towns we visited, it brought back memories. I couldn't believe the restaurants, gift shops, historical sites, and beaches we frequented would be flooded. So many lives and livelihoods will be affected. We also lived near the East Coast for awhile and still have friends there. So far they are fine and we are hoping for the best.

It is a cliche but it is absolutely true: hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Preparation takes some of the anxiety away. Organization minimizes problems. Planning ahead will reduce panic. All of this will lead to less chaos and better decision making.

Why wait until a known disaster is imminent? Have a 72 hour supply kit readily available. Get on the web and find out about 72 hour kits. Make a list of possible supplies, and then figure out which ones work for your situation. Discuss an evacuation plan. If you live alone, connect with others. Know which roads you would take to leave the area. This is professionally and personally. What would you do if you were at work? at home? You may want to keep a mini kit in the car and change it depending upon the season. And these plans are with known disasters, let alone the ones that will catch us by surprise.  But if you are prepared, if you know your plan, it surely will be better than not having one at all.


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