Hurricane Season - It’s here … Again By Margie McLellan
I used to love fall. The island slows down, the weather is gorgeous, you can finally find parking, you can go out to eat without waiting an hour for a table and
you can actually go to IGA and not deal with throngs of people.
Now when I think about fall, I think hurricanes.
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.
After the past two years, that theory has been debunked. Two years. Two hurricanes. Our home got hit twice. TWICE. I can’t even describe what we went
through, nor do I want to bore you with the details, but just know it was hell.
Surely it won’t happen again. Right??
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be keeping a very close eye on the weather for the next couple of months, while praying to the weather gods. And if
Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel shows up on Tybee, I’m outta here.
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 and Irma. 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 and Irma, Facebook was truly a Godsend. Make sure the people you love know that
you are safe.
4 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2018