Freak out levels in SC are at 1000% since our State of Emergency was declared (and the college football games from yesterday are over). I just survived a trip to the grocery store and the gas station, and while the stores are well prepared, the customers are not. People who are panicked don't act rationally. Today, I'd like to give you a few quick tips on how to prepare if you're in a state in that "Cone of Uncertainty." In fact, I'd suggest people in the bordering states do this as well, as we won't have a nearly accurate idea of where Hurricane Florence will go until 3 days prior, or less.
1. Stock up on food, medication, household and pet supplies between today and tomorrow. Yesterday or early this morning would have been the ideal time, but it's not too late if you missed that golden time. Just pack some patience to get what you need. (Not 1000 cases of water, mind you - be realistic).
2. Pay your bills and balance your finances. If you need to mail out anything time sensitive, do it tomorrow. If you need cash, get it before the end of the day tomorrow.
3. Do chores and errands between today and Tuesday. Do laundry, take trash to the dump, fill your gas tank, etc.
4. Charge anything with batteries, and keep them fully charged.
5. Keep yourself and your stuff secure. You should always keep your home and car locked, and don't leave valuable items out in plain sight, but we all tend to relax. The top things people tend to fail on: keep your cell phones on a belt clip or in your pocket at all times when you're outside of the home, and secure your tech devices (and carry as few as possible). Lock doors behind you. Park your car in a garage and keep the door closed, or park in well lit areas if you don't have a garage. Set alarms. Ladies, I suggest two things: don't wear a lot of extravagant, expensive jewelry out (I don't think wearing wedding jewelry and watches are bad, but I suggest you go modest if you go someplace crowded, like the grocery store now), and lock up your purse in the office. Too many women leave their purse on the floor or under their desk, but people do walk in offices and take things. Lock them in a drawer or credenza.
6. If you have a CWP (concealed weapons permit), carry everywhere you legally can. This is another good tip for 'all the time' and another area where we tend to relax. It's not that I think you'll need it (I hope you don't), but the truth is that panicked people aren't rational. Being prepared in case a situation gets out of control will give you the confidence to handle it rationally, even if others aren't being rational - and that, hopefully, will keep you from actually needing it.
7. Mind your manners and follow the rules. Again, most people aren't rational when panicked. Keeping a cool head will help you get through things and help others with a good, calm presence now when they need it.
8. Check up on people. Hopefully, you keep in touch with those closest to you regularly anyway.
9. Keep an eye on the forecast, but remember: the forecasts are only reliable to up to 72 hours out. After that, they're guessing. That's why the tracks move so much. And they can't send the hunters and aircraft out after dark, so that forecast will only update during daylight hours. Translation: don't fret it much after the seven o'clock news. It won't update significantly again until midmorning tomorrow.
10. Stock up on some good books and charge your ereader. Hey, books are always a great idea!
Take care, folks. I know it's nerve wracking to have a hurricane bearing down on you, but remember: this is the price we pay to not shovel snow in the winter. So prepare now while there's time to do so calmly and rationally. And stay cool, my friends.
That's all today. Take care, keep an eye on things, and have a great week.
Bye!
1. Stock up on food, medication, household and pet supplies between today and tomorrow. Yesterday or early this morning would have been the ideal time, but it's not too late if you missed that golden time. Just pack some patience to get what you need. (Not 1000 cases of water, mind you - be realistic).
2. Pay your bills and balance your finances. If you need to mail out anything time sensitive, do it tomorrow. If you need cash, get it before the end of the day tomorrow.
3. Do chores and errands between today and Tuesday. Do laundry, take trash to the dump, fill your gas tank, etc.
4. Charge anything with batteries, and keep them fully charged.
5. Keep yourself and your stuff secure. You should always keep your home and car locked, and don't leave valuable items out in plain sight, but we all tend to relax. The top things people tend to fail on: keep your cell phones on a belt clip or in your pocket at all times when you're outside of the home, and secure your tech devices (and carry as few as possible). Lock doors behind you. Park your car in a garage and keep the door closed, or park in well lit areas if you don't have a garage. Set alarms. Ladies, I suggest two things: don't wear a lot of extravagant, expensive jewelry out (I don't think wearing wedding jewelry and watches are bad, but I suggest you go modest if you go someplace crowded, like the grocery store now), and lock up your purse in the office. Too many women leave their purse on the floor or under their desk, but people do walk in offices and take things. Lock them in a drawer or credenza.
6. If you have a CWP (concealed weapons permit), carry everywhere you legally can. This is another good tip for 'all the time' and another area where we tend to relax. It's not that I think you'll need it (I hope you don't), but the truth is that panicked people aren't rational. Being prepared in case a situation gets out of control will give you the confidence to handle it rationally, even if others aren't being rational - and that, hopefully, will keep you from actually needing it.
7. Mind your manners and follow the rules. Again, most people aren't rational when panicked. Keeping a cool head will help you get through things and help others with a good, calm presence now when they need it.
8. Check up on people. Hopefully, you keep in touch with those closest to you regularly anyway.
9. Keep an eye on the forecast, but remember: the forecasts are only reliable to up to 72 hours out. After that, they're guessing. That's why the tracks move so much. And they can't send the hunters and aircraft out after dark, so that forecast will only update during daylight hours. Translation: don't fret it much after the seven o'clock news. It won't update significantly again until midmorning tomorrow.
10. Stock up on some good books and charge your ereader. Hey, books are always a great idea!
Take care, folks. I know it's nerve wracking to have a hurricane bearing down on you, but remember: this is the price we pay to not shovel snow in the winter. So prepare now while there's time to do so calmly and rationally. And stay cool, my friends.
That's all today. Take care, keep an eye on things, and have a great week.
Bye!
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