TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2017 17 Well fellow readers, it looks like we are moving into the dreaded hurricane season once again. I don’t know about you, but the thought of another visit from Mother Nature in the form of a hurricane scares the hell out of me. I was one of the nonbelievers who just assumed that our little island was somehow immune to the storms that batter the east coast. I mean, how many times has a hurricane skirted up the coast of Florida, then gotten to our area and somehow skipped us, then continued on up the coast to South Carolina, North Carolina, then right up to New England? I felt safe here, and just thought that Tybee Island was tucked away in a little corner of Georgia and wouldn’t get hit. God had somehow blessed our little spot of Paradise. Well, that all changed last October. When Hurricane Matthew was knocking on Tybee’s door, we waited until the last minute to leave and didn’t do much preparation in our house, thinking (1.) It really wasn’t going to hit us, and (2.) If it did hit there probably wouldn’t be much left, and (3.) Our flood insurance was paid, so why worry. We packed a few clothes and off we went. I was so in denial of a hurricane hitting us. When we returned a few days later, sure enough, our little house was still standing. But, as we opened the door, a horrible stench permeated through our home and we realized that about 15 inches of water had come through and everything we owned was wet and already molding. I won’t bore you with the details of the next few months, but suffice it to say our house underwent a complete makeover, from the walls to the kitchen and bathrooms, etc. We had to move every single thing in our house either to the dumpster or into a storage container. We had lived in our little house for 20 years, so yeah, we had a lot of … er, stuff. Then there was the fun part of dealing with the insurance company. They gave us a little money up front, but the rest had to wait on estimates, inventory, the bank, inspections, etc. We ended up having to come up with most of the money ourselves. Believe me, we were pulling money out of our a$$ before it was all over. We eventually got the insurance money, the house was put back together and brand new on the inside, and all was right with the world again. Now here we are again people, right in the midst of hurricane season. And I’ve heard that this hurricane season is going to be a strong one. Let’s hope that the Weather Channel has this one wrong. They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, let’s hope that also applies to hurricanes. At this point I get nervous when the wind starts blowing, not to mention the rain… I’ve put together a list of what we all need to do … just in case: 1. If there is a Mandatory Evacuation you need to LEAVE. No IFS, ANDS or BUTS about it. I’m sure everyone has heard the stories of the ones who stayed for Matthew. They are all downright frightening and I surely hope everyone who stayed has learned their lesson and will leave next time. Everything can be replaced people …except your lives. 2. Take all important documents with you. This includes insurance policies, property records, marriage and birth certificates, passports, wills, health records and insurance cards, prescriptions, and last but not least, personal items that cannot be replaced, such as photos and letters. 3. Secure your home. Lock doors and windows, unplug all electrical devices except for freezers and refrigerators, and secure lawn items. Things that you will not be taking, but are still important (I mean, you can’t take everything!) need to be off the floor, in case of flooding. I learned this the hard way. 4. Have a plan of where you are going. Nothing worse than driving for hours looking for a hotel. Call ahead and make arrangements with friends or get reservations for a room. If you don’t have a car, you better make friends fast with someone that does. Also, please check with your neighbors who may need your help. 5. Things to pack. Cash is very important, as electricity may be out and your debit card may be no good. Take enough cash to last several days. Also, don’t forget your prescriptions, cell phones and charger, clothes for a few days, blankets, nonperishable food, water, and for goodness sake, don’t forget your beer or vodka (you’re going to need it, believe me!) 6. For your car. Keep a full tank of gas. Also, maps or GPS, car tools, jumper cables, and a flashlight (extra batteries too). 7. Your pets. I’m sure no one will leave their beloved pet behind, but be aware that most hotels and shelters may only permit service animals. Plan ahead. Don’t be like Alaina – she took her cat but forgot the cat food. 8. Keep in touch with family and close friends. During Hurricane Matthew, Facebook was truly a Godsend. Make sure the people you love know that you are safe. It’s Here Again … Hurricane Season By Margie McLellan Logo Design | Signage & Vehicle Wrap Design | Installation Print Design | Packaging Design | Web Design Brand your Vision! 912-655-2791 VisionVaultGraphics.com
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