Hurricane Preparedness

by Shannon Wakeland | More from this Blogger

22 Jan 2007 09:34 AM

As long as I live, I will never forget that feeling of helplessness when Hurricane Hugo hit home. Living in Charleston, SC, it was rare that we ever had to worry about tropical storms, let alone hurricanes. However, the day had arrived and we did have to worry. The weatherman predicted strong winds, heavy rain and high surges. It was going to be bad... real bad.

How bad? We never expected it to be as bad as it was. I remember walking outside the next morning thinking it looked like a bomb had landed on my street. People were walking around in a daze, not sure what to do, how to help or even how to act. Trees and debris were everywhere covering houses, streets, driveways and even the highways leading into the neighborhoods. Power was out and it stayed out for the next two weeks.

Could we have been better prepared? Definitely! The days following Hurricane Hugo, people waited in long lines for water and for ice. Before the hurricane even arrived, we had to wait for almost an hour just to get gas in the car. It was a mad house around here! The grocery stores were empty. People scurried inside, swiping batteries, water and canned goods. Carts were filled to the top. Lines were wrapped around the aisles and hostility was thick in the air. Everyone's nerves were shot. What was going to happen? Did we have enough food and water?

Ever since 1989 when Hugo hit Charleston and surrounding counties, I have been prepared. If the weatherman even hints that a tropical storm or a hurricane may hit South Carolina, I look to make sure I am totally stocked. Below is a checklist that I keep for myself. Although we are lucky and have not had a major hurricane since Hugo, it's always best to be safer than sorry.

Hurricane Checklist:

- Enough water for each family member that will last about a week

- Canned food

- Paper Products

- Batteries

- First Aid kit

- Battery operated radio/TV

- Flashlights

- Fill tub up with water

- Wash clothes ahead of time

I hope that this checklist will aid others who may have to prepare for a storm, whether it's a hurricane, flood, tornado or even a major thunderstorm. One never knows when something may happen and it will pay to be prepared.

Related Articles:

Preparing for Heat After a Hurricane Emergency Preparedness: Water

Five Tips for Water Emergencies

Learn more about Shannon Wakeland

Shannon is a freelance writer and stay at home mother who resides in Charleston, South Carolina. She enjoys going to the beach, reading, spending time with her family and of course writing.

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