If you are anything like me, you have been enjoying this beautiful weather we have been receiving lately. I wake up every morning and go directly outside with my first cup of coffee to enjoy the beauty of the day. It’s a great way to start my morning.

 

Unfortunately I happened to be watching the news the other night and oh no! Our first Tropical Depression was forming in Florida! Ugh. I forgot about that part of living here. But I guess it doesn’t matter where you live. Mother Nature is always there. It’s either hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, lions and tigers and bears, oh my! …the list goes on.

 

So I guess it’s time to start preparing.

 

My advice is that if Tybee Island receives a Mandatory Evacuation, please evacuate!! Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but also the lives of the ones that are required to stay. So just leave, ok?

 

My first evacuation was Hurricane Floyd. We got the summons to evacuate and I spent that night just walking through my house trying to figure out what I was taking with me, the things I couldn’t live without. When I look back on that time, I laugh at myself. My car was so loaded down with ‘stuff.’ A lot of unnecessary stuff. I remember how I cried all the way off the island, because the eye of the hurricane was headed straight for Tybee. It was a horrible feeling of losing everything…my house, my ‘stuff,’ my paradise! Fortunately though, Tybee was spared and when we returned all was fine (except for no power and a huge mess everywhere.)

 

Now I would like to say that I have my priorities in order and know exactly what to take, but if you know me, you know that is just not true. So I did a little research and have come up with a list of what we all need to do in case of an evacuation.  

 

So let’s all do a little prepping and keep praying to the weather gods that our little island will once again be spared.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to pay your flood insurance … just in case.

HAVING A “GRAB-AND-GO” KIT WILL MAKE YOUR EVACUATION EASIER.

To stock a “grab-and-go” kit, here are some essentials:

ITEMS

 

• Nonperishable food, plus eating utensils, and water to last at least 72 hours for each household member (don’t forget your beer or vodka!)

• Cash (including change) and debit card

• Cell phone (don’t forget your charger)

• Prescription medicines

• Flashlights and a portable radio

• Games and books for children

• Car, house and business keys

• A blanket, sleeping bag and pillow for each person

DOCUMENTS

 

• Insurance policies

• Property records like deeds and vehicle and boat titles

• An inventory of personal property in your home, preferably with photographs or video

• Personal identity records like passports, driver’s licenses and birth certificates

• Legal records like wills, powers of attorney and titles

• Health records, including insurance cards and lists of immunizations and prescriptions

• Phone lists of key people and businesses in your life such as banks, insurance agents, lawyers and doctors

• Precious personal items that cannot be replaced, like photographs and letters, should be treated similarly

FOR YOUR CAR

 

• Keep a full tank of gas

• Maps of your area, planned route and destination

• Jumper cables, car tools and emergency flares

• A lighter charger for your cell phone

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES FOR EVACUATION:

 

• If you have a car, keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. Leave early enough to avoid  being  trapped by severe weather.

• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.

• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.

• Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters.

• Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

• Call or email the out-of state contact in your family. Tell them where you are going.

• Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.

ALWAYS PLAY IT SAFE!