People along the east coast are literally flipping-out because of Hurricane Irene. Store owners of Lowes, Home Depot and places that sell batteries, generators, and flashlights are also having booming business. There has also been a run on generators, pumps, and bottled water. People have been fighting over bottled water. Here is a photo to show how crazy it is:
Why? people tend to panic during stressful times. Take this as your wake-up call America. Don't put yourself in this position. BE PREPARED for emergencies.
The Experience
If you have never been through a hurricane, let's just sum it up by saying that it is frightful. The winds are tremendous and contiunuous (until the eye passes over). The winds reverse and the storm continues to move past causing more damage.
The first thing you will notice is the tree damage. The next are the power outages. If you're not prepared for this, this can be most tramatic. Power outages are common and may last for a week or two depending on where you live. Flashlight batteries and candles only last so long and after that, you're in the dark!
The next thing to face is the torrents of rain. It is not uncommon to get 10 inches of rain at one time! This floods homes, businesses, and streets. Flooding just adds to the confusion created by the storm. Hence, there is usually a strong demand for pumps of all kinds. However, they only work if you have electricity! You can have a good pump and no electricity. The result is that your basement will still flood and cause damage.
Cell phones become overloaded and it becomes impossible to rely on them for serious communication. Land lines may or may not be operational depending of whether trees have torn-down telephone lines. Passing along information via radios is the only means of communication that is dependable during storms.
Streets and roadways get blocked either by flooding or by downed trees and power lines making movement from place to place problematic. If you're stuck at home, you will have to take cold showers and eat cold food unless you have a way to deal wiith this.
The Message...
Be prepared for emergencies. Don't wait for government assistance. It won't be there when YOU need it. Prepare to take care of you and your family for the duration - whatever that is. Be able to offer assistance to those who may need your help. You never know when you may need it! Hurricane Irene should serve as a wake-up call. Become proactive and get your ?HIT together!
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