Another good article - from newspaper in Galveston

[Guest]

What you need most is a plan

By Heber Taylor
The Galveston County Daily News
Published May 28, 2003

A few years ago, some engineers were studying models of what a Category 5 hurricane would do to Galveston County.

There was a strip of dry ground in the far west of Galveston County, not far from Alvin.

According to the engineers' maps, folks who live out in that area might stay dry if the big one hits, although there's no telling what will come flying through the air.

The engineers were showing the map to make a point: Everybody who lives in this county ought to be very interested in hurricanes.

Hurricane season begins Sunday, and we hope you'll spend some time with our annual hurricane guide, which is included in today's edition.

It's important that you make a plan now. When a storm forms in the Gulf and moves quickly in this direction, it's difficult to think clearly about details and priorities.

Now is the time to do that.

Now's the time to make a list of things you intend to do when the storm is headed this way. Now's the time to decide where and when you'll go.

Now's the time to collect supplies and telephone numbers.

What do you need to do?

In the guide, you'll find plenty of information - provided by officials with the National Weather Service and emergency agencies - to get you started on a plan.

Sound like too much work? Tempted to procrastinate?

Just ask yourself: Do you really want to be making decisions that affect the safety of your family when a storm is bearing down on the area?

People who are prepared tend to make better decisions. Shouldn't you start now?


Best Tip For Procrastinators

If you're really stumped, here's a way to get started.

Designate a duffel bag, gym bag or some other container as a disaster kit. For the next few days, leave it out to remind you to think of things you might need.

As ideas hit you, stuff your bag with supplies.

Here are some recommendations from the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

- Nonperishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.

- Rain gear, sturdy shoes and a change of clothes.

- Blankets or sleeping bags.

- A first-aid kit and prescription medications.

- An extra pair of eyeglasses for each member of the family.

- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

- Credit cards and cash.

- An extra set of car keys.

- A list of family physicians.

- A list of important family information, such as the style and serial number of medical devices.

[Rainband]

I like that article because it exemplifies the urgency people need to have in preparing for what the forecasters have stated time and time again will be a busy season and tells people to go at their own pace but be ready!!!