We used to live on the east coast of Virginia, and hurricanes were frequent visitors. We lived on a small island right next to the ocean. After a while you get complacent to all the hubbub and warnings and excited weather reporters . . . . until you see white caps in your front yard and railroad ties floating by. Our house survived Hurricane Isabell, but many of our neighbors' did not. We were without electricity in 90 degree weather for 11 days, but some neighbors did not get power for 6 weeks. We were declared a disaster area with the Red Cross camped on our street, and blockades to keep out rubberneckers and looters. Some houses had rip rap (big boulders along the shoreline) come through the front of their house and go out the back, followed by large ocean waves. Others had severe flooding. Others lost roofs and their homes were drenched. We found refrigerators, stoves, washers & dryers, a/c units in the streets. There were dead horses in the trees. Boats not sunk were moved by the water and ended up on dry land.
Once you experience loss and tragedy like this, you never take weather reports for granted. Tornadoes can also cause tremendous damage, and strike much more quickly than hurricanes.
Better to be prepared for the worst and pray for the best. Designate a safe room in your home and keep a stocked disaster kit there.
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 K9-Lovers
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