Always be prepared
August 2, 2012 (Thursday)
Dale Pogue wrote a poem earlier this week about hurricanes. I really enjoyed it–it hit the nail on the head. You can read it at http://www.dalepogue.com . Today is August 2. Tomorrow, August 3, marks 42 years since the arrival of Hurricane Celia, the last very severe storm to hit this area in 1970. Those of us who were living here at that time will never forget Celia, a small but very powerful storm.
There is a storm brewing right now in the Atlantic. It’s early in its development but the computer models show future movement in this direction. (It was classified as a Depression when this was written on Wednesday evening). It will be wise for all of us to keep an eye on its growth. It already looks like a tropical storm on the satellite pictures.
I’ve heard of people having “hurricane parties” during storms. Not a good idea. I remember a deadly storm in 1969 (Camille) that blew down an apartment building in Pass Christian, Mississippi, killing 23 people. Rumors persist that they were having a party, but many deny that. For whatever reason, they stayed put in the building and died as a result. The safest place to be during a hurricane is somewhere else.
Don’t be fooled by what anyone–and I mean anyone–says about the storms they have experienced. Hardly any two are alike. Every hurricane has its own unique makeup and almost every one of them has a deadly surprise for the weather experts. Those surprises kill people. Get out if you are asked to do so. If you are unable to evacuate, then make sure you have prepared for it ahead of time. Follow all the suggestions for hurricane preparation and maybe you will live to see the next one.