A Category 4 storm spins just a few miles off the coast. Weather reports warn that damaging winds, torrential rains, storm surge and tornadoes are expected within twelve hours. Residents scurry in preparation. Plywood is nailed over windows, lawn furniture is put away, boats are anchored, survival supplies are laid in, vehicles are fueled and valuables are packed in the event evacuation becomes necessary. Stores quickly sell out of candles, batteries, bread, canned goods, bottled water, and even beer. At the last minute, employees shut down business and go hunker down with family. Everyone is as ready as they're going to get.
Whether you evacuate or hunker down, it's a time to focus on something other than the hectic daily routine. It can be an opportunity to assess what's really of value in one's life, realizing it's not material things that can be replaced, but rather living things like family, friends, and pets. And perhaps, it's that realization that draws everyone together and, after all preparation has been made and there's nothing else to do, a party, while the fierce winds blow, is not a bad idea. But no matter how much fun the "survival mode" may seem, hurricanes remain one of the deadliest forces of nature and that fact should never be taken lightly.
Here are a few tips to remember the next time hurricane winds are imminent.
Close all inside doors. Brace external doors.
Hang a blanket over the window to block flying glass if windows break
Stay away from windows.
Stay inside to avoid falling trees, flying debris, and downed power lines.
Stay alert. Intoxication is not a good idea. In the event conditions turn dangerous, everyone needs to be able to react quickly.
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