Today was an uneasy one. We had school as usual, but every one knew that Ernesto was coming and didn't know if we would have school tomorrow. Looking outside at the weather doesn't give a clue as to what is headed our way. The day looks picture perfect with blue skies and sunshine. By the end of the day the word was given that school is closed Tuesday and we were to unplug all computers, printers, and TVs and put trash bags over all computers. The Tanburg distant learning unit had to be hurricane readied and the tech person had to do an emergency 2 hour server back up.
When I finally left school every gas station on the way home had lines of cars wrapping around the block waiting to fill up. Last year Wilma did a number on us. We all remember the days after when there was nothing available anywhere. We know the drill now. Fill up the cars and all available gas containers. Stockpile food and water in case the water has to be boiled or there is no power. We are supposed to be able to survive 3 days without help after a hurricane. Medications have to be stockpiled to. Last year when there was no power for days, medications that had to be refridgerated were not available from the few pharmacies open because their power failed to keep it cold.
Again, we all know the drill. Charley, Jeanne, Francsis, Katrina, and Wilma have left us uneasy. It is not an adventure once you've actually been damaged in a hurricane. Unease and a nagging feeling that you haven't done everything you should to protect the house and the family. The constant noise the winds and trees make during the storm is a kind of torture too.
We know the drill, but preparing for disaster when it looks so beautiful is unreal. It's like boarding a plane in Florida in December with shorts on because it so hot and humid and getting off in New York in snow and freezing weather. You just can't believe it could be that cold or bad. Preparing for hurricanes is the same. I can understand why some folks might have put off preparations before, but we know the consequence now and we know the drill by heart.
One of my alter idenities when I'm incognito.
3 comments:
Good post. Right on. You're right, once you've been hurt by one, they're not fun anymore. --Perelli l'Artiste
if a category .3 hurricane ever passed by ny the whole down would look a lot like wtc
heck i lost power for a week out in queens when a little drizzle occurred up in the bronx
Ernesto? Eh! Ain't no thang but a chicken wang! Bring on the GATOR GAME!!!!
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