Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
Hurricane season puts us all on notice as we’re entering the month of September.
Storm preparation is essential especially if living on or near the coast.
A storm’s destructive path unleashes multiple layers of peril: torrential rains, flooding, tornadoes, high winds and flying debris all under the guise of Mother Nature.
The CDC suggests: Preparation is key regardless of whether you plan to:
Evacuate
Know your evacuation zone
Plan your route
Arrange Shelter
Pack a “go-bag”
Secure your home
Leave early
Shelter in place
Secure your property
Reinforce windows
Prepare for power loss
Stay informed
Choose a safe room
Stay inside
It’s highly recommended that if a hurricane is approaching, you should follow your local authorities’ evacuation order and remember Evacuate if Ordered.
When roads are closed, no first responders will be coming to rescue you.
And don’t forget to take your pets with you.
Matagorda’s first responders have some stories that are real doozies involving locals’ refusal to keep updated on the track of the hurricane, lack of hurricane preparation, last minute decisions to evacuate and expectations that First Responders will risk their lives to retrieve them.
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up.
A Louisiana friend of mine once told me that some of their storm preparation stays intact 365 days out of the year: important documentation, cherished photos and treasured mementoes are preserved in plastic containers and placed at locations in their home such as overhead shelves in closets or secure flood-proof lockers and safes.
The advantage of this is families know where items are kept and are available for quick retrieval during any type of evacuation event.
In other words, hurricanes are a part of the package when living on the coast.
Consider early preparation for essential items rather than waiting until the last minute when the shelves are empty at the grocery or hardware stores.
Be mindful of your neighbors with hardships; check on them and their emergency preparedness.
In Matagorda, check to see if first responders or your precinct has information on senior citizens, the homebound or extended-stay visitors.
With the help of Constable Keith Sullivan, Peggy Stanley, a local citizen, created “Joy’s List” in memory of her friend Eleanor Joy Schwank.
At the time of Joy’s death, she lived alone, and no one had next of kin information at the time of her death.
Several months later, during Coffee Talk at Cassady’s Coffee Bar & Cafe, Peggy mentioned her idea to our Justice of the Peace Suzanne Sullivan.
Suzanne took the idea to Keith and “Joy’s List” was created.
Communities learn from their mistakes and gain a better insight into what is needed during emergencies.
Next time don’t let flying debris whack you in the head before coming up with an emergency preparedness plan of your own.
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com