Trying to Reason with the
Hurricane Season
Well peeps, here we are right in the middle of the Hurricane Season. Again. All of us Tybeeites still have lingering memories of Matthew and Irma. Many
of us who have houses on the ground were the unlucky ones. After the first hurricane, Matthew, our house had to be gutted and completely redone. I
won’t lie – it was hell. But after all the hassle of dealing with the insurance company, the mortgage company, picking out cabinets, paint, etc., I must say
I was excited to get my 1950s bungalow redone. It was like having a new house. Then Irma hit. We had to completely gut the house again. That was no
fun. But … what can you do?
Many of our friends (who don’t live here) said to us, “Maybe it’s time to leave Tybee for higher ground.” What?? Obviously, they have no idea how
special Tybee is. I have lived all over this country and there is no place I’d rather be. So moving is not an option.
So here we are. Again.
I’m already keeping a close eye on the Atlantic Ocean. I check my Weather app (NOAA Radar) daily. Not that it will do any good, but I’m also praying to
the Weather gods. Surely they know that our sweet spot of Paradise should be spared.
In the meantime, we should all start thinking about what we need to do, just in case. So, once again, I’m sharing with you a list of things that I feel is
important:
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, first aid kit, nonperishable food, water, and for goodness sake, don’t
forget your beer, wine 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.
32 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2019
By Margie McLellan