The world has literally found itself in a unique position as it stretches its hands in need to people who need help on 3 regions of the world. The earthquake in Haiti, Chile, and Taiwan has quickly reminded us how devastating Mother Nature can be at a moment’s notice. When I see the people in these regions of the world, my mind instantly thinks of pictures and videos of the devastation in Hurricane Katrina. In the last 5 years, we have seen nature exact her fury on our people on levels of almost a biblical proportion.
Coming from the relatively Flat state of Arkansas, I totally understand the unpredictability of nature and how destructive it can be. I lived in what was so affectionately referred to as “TORNADO ALLEY” and let me tell you, you don’t know fear unless you’ve found yourself in a position where an F5 140 mph+ tornado is flying over head. NO sir! It’s not sexy at all! And, of course, no one will forget about the awesome blizzards that have just crossed our country. Snow covered 25 of 50 states and lasted all the way into March.
Now, I know you aren’t reading this to merely listen to me recite the facts and stats of which you are already aware. I’m here because I’m HOPING that with all of these natural disasters and major weather systems coming through that you are conscious of the fact that we are JUST getting into the groove of the weather system.
We have about 3 months before Hurricane Season kicks in and you can expect the temperature to start getting hot around May. That’s right, my friends, HEAT and HURRICANES are on the menu AGAIN!
So with that being said, I think it’s only appropriate that I share with you some tips to prepare you for the ‘rump shaker’ weather system that is fast coming upon us:
1) PHONE ROSTER. Get your phone roster ready and make sure at least ONE person has a land line. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but how do you plan on making a call if the cell phone lines go down.
2) ZIP LOCK BAGS. Keep all of your personal effects that you need to keep dry or safe in a bag that you can grab at a moment’s notice.
3) ELDERLY CHECK. If you have friends or relatives that are elderly, make sure their A/C works. Make sure they have ice and water. Get them OUT of the house if their house is a HOT BOX. More importantly, make sure that someone can get them if need be.
4) GAS TANK. I know times are tight but I’ve had the opportunity to try and find a gas station during a hurricane and you would be amazed how empty the pumps are at that time.
5) INSURANCE. Make sure you let your insurance company know when a disaster is on its way. They probably know already.
6) DESTINATION. If you gotta roll on a dime, know where you’re going. Put your destination spot on point so they know that they are going to have visitors.
7) ADVANCE NOTICE. Don’t trust that people outside of your region follows the weather IN your region. Call them and give them a heads up.
8) YOU. In the end, remember, YOU are the most valuable property that there is. You can get more cars, sculptures and pictures but you can’t replace you so LOOK after yourself.
I know that a lot of this is common sense but you would surprised how many people take for granted that you have to prepare for Mother Nature to strike. Remember, Mother Nature is on her OWN clock.
Anthony Reeves is an attorney at law and host of the blog talk radio “Legal Beat in the Morning” and “In the Know”. He may be reached at [email protected] or visit his website at: www.reevesfirm.com
