I've had this topic on my brain for awhile, but wanted to wait until we were in the middle of hurricane season (June 1-November 30). I had thought about waiting until we were having to prepare for one -- but then decided that life during that time is so stressful as it is -- I certainly didn't want to add to it. Currently there are three storms brewing in the Gulf: Danielle, Earl, and Fiona (currently forming).
When I moved to Houston in 1998, I did't realize that hurricanes might possibly hit here. I grew up out in the middle of the Arizona desert and that was just one weather phenomenon that we didn't have to worry about. Another funny random thought I'd like to add here is we have talked about moving at some point in our lives to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Are we crazy or what???? Florida is probably the one state that gets hit by hurricanes more than any other!
So this topic is for those of you that have never experienced the thrill of preparing for a hurricane. Fortunately we are located approximately 100 miles from Galveston, which is directly on the Gulf Coast. So it takes a good strong hurricane to have much tropical effect at our house.
Now's the time you should be preparing your hurricane kits and supplies. If you live closer to the coast -- you'd have plywood to board up your windows and have an evacuation plan in place. Hurricane supplies should include: candles, canned food, candles, lots of bottled water, flashlights, candles, batteries, gas, candles, matches, hand held can opener, candles, propane (for your BBQ), and if you can stockpile Ice....DO IT! (If you think you have enough candles - you DON'T. It's amazing how dark the house is when the power is out and that is your only source of light). When picking out your canned foods -- be careful in your selection because this might be the only food you eat if the power goes out, if the grocery stores are closed, or if you're stuck in your house because of flooding.
The other thing you want to do just before the storm comes is to stock up on bread, fruits and vegetables. However, you really need to pay attention and try to get to the stores 2-3 days before the "frenzy" starts. This means that you have to interpret the weather patterns yourself and try to analyze if this is the "real deal" or it's going to turn and hit Louisiana. If you wait until the warning is issued -- you will stand in LONG lines, find yourself in a vast wasteland of empty grocery store shelves, and be stuck with whatever dented can is still left on the shelf (more often than not your only selection is Lima Beans, Jalapenos, Vienna Sausage, or Sauerkraut).
I hope that you have found this article both entertaining and useful (if you are crazy enough to move somewhere where hurricanes hit). The most important thing during Hurricane Season on the Gulf Coast is: BE PREPARED!
