NewsSun.com... Prepare now, relax later

In 10 days, the hurricane season of 2010 begins.Early predictions are that it will be a busy season.  If you are like most people, you probably aren't ready. Which is why we're reminding you early and often that now is the time to begin stocking up supplies and inspecting special equipment, like the generator or roll-down shutters, to make sure all the pieces are there and everything is in working order.

The last thing you want is to be running around trying to find essentials or special equipment just before a storm is due to arrive. You'll have enough to do at the last minute -- like getting to the bank, filling your vehicle's gas tank, and checking books out of the library -- as it is.

Which means now is the time to make lists of what to buy and what to do.
Consult our hurricane special section Sunday, May 30, it will help you get organized.
Hurricane preparation does cost money, but starting early and buying a few items during each regular shopping trip can ease the pain by spreading those costs out over time.

Shopping before a hurricane is on its way also saves you from standing in long lines and having to listen to people vent their fears, or scare you with horror stories of storms past.

When buying food, remember you may be eating out of the can, so choose items that are edible without being cooked -- cold ravioli, for example, while borderline, is bearable.

The general rule of thumb is to have enough food supplies to last three days, because it typically takes that long for relief to arrive. But having a little extra on hand couldn't hurt.

Be sure to stock enough water, at least a gallon per person per day.


Now is the time to develop a plan.

Know whether or not you will stay home, how you'll get to where you're going, and when you should leave to get there.

Now is the time to collect important papers in one place so they can be easily found when other things will be on your mind.

Now is the time to make arrangements for your pets.

Now is the time to measure windows and buy lumber.

Now is the time to clear space in the shed or garage, so you'll have room to store everything that is outside.


Hurricanes are dangerous and need to be taken seriously, but they are also awesome, exciting examples of nature.  The key is being prepared -- better snug as a bug, with a full stomach and thirst quenched, than ending up exposed, hungry and dehydrated.

It turns out the National Hurricane Center keeps six different lists of names for hurricanes, which they rotate. The names on the list don't change, unless one is retired because the storm was devastating.  For those who are superstitious, the fact that the name list this year is the same as it was in 2004, might bode ill.  Four storm names were retired that year: Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.  Three roared through here, and Ivan brushed by.

Be prepared.