Hurricane Dolly

I'm sitting at my computer with one eye on Fox News. It's sunny and breezy today in northeast Ohio, but stormy and very windy along the Texas coast. They're being pounded with winds over 100 miles per hour as Hurricane Dolly comes ashore.

I've been thru several hurricanes in south Florida. As a college student, it was an opportunity to party. But now, as an adult, I'm very aware of the dangers associated with a hurricane.

The important thing is to be prepared. In south Florida, we have a survival plan. We invested in hurricane shutters. We keep a battery operated lamp, radio, flashlights, plenty of batteries, a propane stove, a charged up cell phone and non-perishable food. When a hurricane is possible, we keep the car gas tank full and stock up on water.

I think it's a good idea to have a survival plan no matter where you are. Families should have a meeting place away from the house in case they're separated during a disaster.

It's easy to be complacent. And we're all busy with our day-to-day living. Everyone thinks, "It won't happen to me." But, sometimes bad things do happen. Having a plan gives us peace of mind.

Resources:
Family Disaster Plan
Hurricane Tracking Chart
Safety and Preparedness Fact Sheet