Guys, I have been through Frederic (Cat 3), Elena (Cat 2), Erin (Cat 2), Opal (Cat 3), Danny (Cat 1), Georges (Cat 2), Ivan (Cat 3) and Katrina (Cat 3), down here on the Alabama coastline.
The Before is NOW! Don't wait to go to the store. Now is that time. Whether you're in Maine or Maryland, now is the time. Get at least 5 days if you can afford it, but get as much as you can. Also, get your yard in order. Check trees. Any limbs that are dead or in bad shape will come off and fly around in even a strong tropical storm. Get your pets in order. Get a plan B together. Lastly, just keep of the track of the storm, VISUALLY, for as long as you can. The power may get knocked out at some point, and I will tell you that hearing where the storm is by radio, without a visual on it is nerve wracking. All of us who have been through plenty of these storms will tell you that even you know it will be a bad experience and lots of damage might occur, you just don't believe it yet.
The During is where reality will set in. Don't be curious. The heavily populated areas are going to produce a fair amount of debris to fly around. You don't want to get hit with that. Do NOT go near any water. It is no longer fun or exhilarating to watch TV or hear reports come in. At this point, damage reports will be all you hear. You may not think so, but it will wear on you mentally. Enjoy the power and utilities as long as you can, because (whether out of precaution by the utility provider or by the storm's fury itself), you may lose power. Remember that this storm's power is not going to dictate whether you lose power or not. That is dictated by the size of things that decide to fall and land on power lines or phone lines or cable lines. How long it is out will depend on how badly they were damaged. You may sit for an entire day listening to howling wind outside and watching torrential rains come down. Just get mentally prepared to do that as well. Or like my Mom, take a nap.
The After can also be dangerous. A lot of people were killed during the 2005 hurricane season by after storm electrocution from downed lines. Trees in soggy areas may fall after the storm or dangling heavy limbs as well. Do a perimeter check of your house when it is safe to do so. Check the roof and the eaves, as those don't do well in prolonged winds of any speed.
I think all of us who have been through a big enough one will tell you, fun is the last word you will think of when it's done. Even if you get no damage and nothing happens to your city or neighborhood, others near you won't be so lucky. |