A HEALTHY
PERSPECTIVE
STORM
WATCH
By Marcy Shortuse
AN ILL WIND BLOWING MEANS ONE THING:
TIME TO PREPARE
After Hurricane Irma hit the state last September, leaving
many in a panic that lasted for days, there was more
than one lesson learned when it comes to being
prepared. “Where can we go to escape it?” was the common
phrase being uttered everywhere, and after it passed through,
there were gas shortages and limited food supplies. Some
communities were without power for days, as well as
without communication as many cell phone towers
were down or damaged.
When electricity is out it means no refrigeration
or cooking (not to mention air conditioning). Cell
phone batteries die, and without access to the
outside world, it turned into a very frightening
time for many.
One thing you can do to be prepared well in
advance is to have a special first-aid kit ready for
storms, whether you evacuate or stay put. This
kit should be large and thorough, and it should
be inventoried at the beginning of every
hurricane season.
September/October 2018 GASPARILLA ISLAND 59