Is Evacuation Always a Good Idea?

Tuesday December 28, 2010

Absolutely not! There are critical times when you should not try to evacuate. It can be deadly to just jump in the car and take off without adequate thought and planning. This is especially true during winter storms.

The first thing I advise during an evacuation is to decide where you want to go and then determine if there is a safe route. The current Eastern blizzard is a good example of how dangerous travel of any kind can become. There are road closures, unplowed streets, and abandoned cars littering the roadsides of every location the blizzard hit. In New York City alone there are over a thousand abandoned cars. The EMS workers in these disaster areas are overwhelmed. Every abandonded car will have to be checked to see if anyone is trapped inside needing help.

Should you find yourself in a severe winter weather and decide you must leave your home please take a few precautions prior to departure.
1. Fill your gas tank
2. Charge your cell phone
3. Everyone traveling should dress warmly (coat, scarf, hat, and gloves)
4. Place blankets inside the car
5. Pack water and snack food
6. If you have a battery powered radio take it and extra batteries
7. A shovel, windshield scraper, and flashlight should be in the car
8. Tell someone where you are going and by what route. Arrange to call
them by a certain time and ask that they alert the authorities if
you don't call.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Thanksgiving Eve

Wednesday November 24, 2010

On this Thanksgiving Eve in Florida, I am thankful that hurricane season is coming to an end. However, for most the season for snowy weather and the disasters that can accompany it are just around the corner. So for those of you who live in these colder areas, it is time for you to start preparing and re-reading my Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan (even if you are staying put through the storm).

Also, read through my previous blogs and you will find all sorts of helpful hints such as filling up the bathtub before an ice storm since the water pipes often freeze. But more specifically, now would be a good time to store some driveway salt in the main house so you aren't going out in the freezing cold looking for it. It would also be a good idea to stock up on high energy food and put some extra blankets, protein bars, bottled water, and a flashlight in the car just in case you are driving somewhere when a storm hits.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

45 Days

November 10, 2010

We have 45 days till Christmas! This is information I would have been happier avoiding for just a little longer. I prefer to keep up with the number of days left in the hurricane season (20 days). However since I realized that I now have yet another countdown to keep up with, I've started my holiday shopping. This year I decided to give some gifts that might not elicit cries of delight when first opened but might save your butt when it really counts.

I am ordering an Aqua Pod Kit for several people. I have been advising everyone to fill up a bathtub before hurricanes, wildfires, etc. for a long time. The reason is that city water lines are often damaged and the water contaminated during natural disasters. If you have a bathtub full of water it allows you to flush your toilets and clean up.

The great thing about this Aqua Pod is that it allows you to store up to 65 gallons of water in a plastic bladder placed in your bathtub. Because the water is contained in a sealed system which you pump from as needed it will not become contaminated. In an emergency your family could have sanitary and drinking water for up to a week and that is a beautiful gift.

Before anyone asks, I am not associated with this product or company. I am sending them my hard earned money just like all everyone else.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Have You Told Oprah?

Friday October 29, 2010



Once again today someone asked me for the thousandth time, “Have you told Oprah about the book and what you're doing?" Once again today I truthfully replied, "No." The follow up question, as always, had a slightly accusatory edge to it. "Well why not? Oprah should be told." I come away from these exchanges thinking people can be so unfair.

Maybe that's not a nice thing to say about the otherwise sane people who make these Oprah remarks. I want to be nice and I try to be nice. I absolutely believe there should be more niceness in the world. This belief is the only reason I continue trying to be nice when secretly I have lost all interest in niceness. The truth is there are just times when niceness is hard to sustain.

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my relationship to Oprah. I don't have her personal phone number on my speed dial. Oprah and I don't have lunch together or do girl trips. We are not even pen pals. Yes, I do feel as if I know Oprah from watching her show and reading her magazine. Oprah on the other hand doesn't have a clue who I am so I CAN'T TELL OPRAH!

Why is it the world views Oprah in such a completely different light from all other celebrities? Is it because she has been a consistent presence (through her TV show) in our lives for so many years? Maybe, but I think the real answer lies with the quality of the time she has spent with us. Oprah has tackled some tough problems which often mirror the challenges we face in our own lives. The public has come to trust and respect her opinion. Most people I meet view Oprah as a distant family member who should be informed and consulted about important events. Although I would love to keep Oprah fully up to date on my activities, once again, we don't know each other!

However I will let you in on a secret. I have a reoccurring dream which involves an Indian village and Oprah. In this dream I enter a large tee pee and sit down on the ground before a tribal council. At first all I can see are three figures with their heads bent down wearing large feathered headpieces. When the three figures look up I see Oprah in the middle with Ellen on one side and Paula Dean on the other. They begin to speak to me but I can't understand what they are saying. I can see their lips moving and realize what they are trying to tell me is important. I'm desperately trying to make out their message but I can't understand the words.

However I haven't given up hope. I believe that one night I will have this dream and suddenly the words will become clear in my head. I plan to sit there and absorb every bit of wisdom and guidance they offer me. And then do you know what I plan to do? When I finally unlock the dream language and can communicate with the 3 wise women I will take this opportunity to tell Oprah all about my book and what I'm doing.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Hurricane's Verbal Path

Monday October 11, 2010

Has anyone else ever been driven crazy by some unknown or forgotten piece of knowledge? It could be a forgotten song lyric, book title, or locker combination. It could be a never known personal blood type. The lack of knowledge starts out as an annoyance, progress to irritation, and before you know it you are completely obsessed. When this happens there is nothing to be but surrender to the obsession and go find out the answer.

Yesterday I was reading something on hurricanes and suddenly thought, "I wonder where the word hurricane came from?" I tried to go on reading but my attention had already been derailed by my need to find out the origin of the word hurricane. I surrendered and here is what I learned.

The experts seem to have some disagreement on the issue. Some sources say hurricane is derived from the Carib god, Hurican; while other sources say the word was derived from one of the Mayan creator gods, Hurakan. I am old enough to still give ultimate authority to my old friend The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This reliable reference traces the hurricane verbal path back to the Spanish huracan which in turn came from the Taino's hurakan. Most experts in this field of study say that the original meaning was simply storm. (To be fair there are also some pretty smart scholars out there who argue that the original meaning was storm god or evil spirit.)

Hurricane is a word which came to English language directly from the Spanish language with no Latin involvement. The first European to document the occurrence of these mighty storms was Christopher Columbus in 1495 while sailing in the West Indies. So now we know all about the origin of the word hurricane. If any of you should win a trivia game with this information I want to know about it.

Additional evacuation information at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Kitchen Disaster

October 1,2010 Friday

I had an unfortunate kitchen disaster a few days ago. This is not an uncommon occurrence for me (I seriously doubt anyone would ever confuse me with a domestic goddess). Usually my kitchen disasters involve fire and something burning. However, this time I unleashed a new disaster-the kitchen flood.

It all started out so innocently. I put my tea kettle in the middle of the kitchen sink (directly on top of the drain hole) and turned the water on to fill it. Then I received a phone call which required me to check my desk calender. After the call I decided to attend to some work since I was already at my desk. Fifteen minutes later I am industriously typing away when I hear a disturbing gurgling sound. Only then did I realize I had forgotten to turn the water off! I rushed back into the kitchen to find water overflowing the sink, down the cabinet, drenching everything inside the cabinet, and now starting to cover the floor.

Of course, this kitchen flood was completely my fault. I wasn't paying attention to the possible danger. I underestimated the potential damage of a little obstructed stream of water. It was a good reminder of the power (both constructive and destructive) of water.

Since flood danger is so fresh in my mind I feel it is time to review some important flood terms.

FEMA FLOOD TERMS

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Rip Currents

Wednesday September 22, 2010

I have written about the danger of rip currents in the past but some things are important enough that they bear repeating. Recently a woman from my area was caught in a rip current and drowned. It happened on a beautiful beach day which ended with a spectacular sunset. All should have been right with the world but instead there was a terrible tragedy.

It is important to stop and look carefully at the water you are going to enter. Sometimes you can identify a rip current from shore. There may be disturbance in the water-a noticeable break in the wave action, a column of different colored water, or a section of debris filled water moving swiftly away from the shore. Rip currents are at their strongest two hours before and after low tide and during a full moon.

If you are in the water and suddenly find yourself in a rip current your response will probably be the difference between life and death. It is vital to remember that a rip current will not pull you under the water it will pull you away from shore.

1. If you are caught in a rip current don't panic or swim against the current.
2. You should swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
3. If you are unable to break free of the current, float or tread water.
4. Try to draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

The Agitated Atlantic Ocean

Tuesday September 14, 2010

Before the start of this year's hurricane season most forecasters were predicting that it would be an extremely active one. This year they got it right. The storm count for the current Atlantic season stands at 11 named storms (5 of these storms reaching hurricane strength). Although 11 storms is the average number for an Atlantic season we need to remember that we aren't finished yet. We have over 2 more months (77 days to be exact) of the 2010 hurricane season left. Unfortunately, we are just now entering the traditional peak of hurricane activity.

The current satellite photos of the Atlantic Ocean remind me of the actions of a giant washing machine. Some of the Atlantic's surface waters are choppy and agitated while three other areas are in the violent spin cycle. I hope you will think of a washing machine every time the weather station displays the storms in the Atlantic ocean. If you can make this mental association it will help you to remember that your home's washing machine can be a valuable place to store possessions left behind during an evacuation. When I am packing my washing machine I always first turn off the water to the machine and then place the items inside garbage bags to help protect them. I try to make the washing machine as heavy as possible because I know that the extra weight will give it more stability. With all the storms swirling around out there we need all the stability we can find!

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Turn, Earl, Turn!

Thursday September 2, 2010

Two hundred and fifty thousand coastal residents of North Carolina are under a mandatory evacuation. Hurricane Earl is bearing down on the Eastern Coast of the United States with maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour. If our luck holds this category 4 hurricane will not make landfall and will instead stay offshore to track its way up the coastline.
However you must not be lulled into a false since of security by this possibility. Earl is a solid category 4 hurricane with mb reading of 932 at the present time. Most disturbing, it has not yet made the critical turn required to keep its path from making landfall. Please remember that the flooding, storm surges, and destructive winds associated with a hurricane of this magnitude will impact areas located hundreds of miles away from the eye. If an evacuation has been ordered for your area then you must leave now.
If you live outside the threatened area and would like to help out I have an idea. Let's all focus our minds on the dangerous well-formed eye of this hurricane and chant, "Turn Earl Turn!" Everybody believes in the power of positive thought right? Then let's pray, chant, and send our positive energy to the threatened area. The people along the North Carolina coast have just been pounded in recent years by storms and they deserve a break.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

August 12, 2010 Thursday

Last week I wrote urging teachers to discuss how geography can influence natural disasters with their students. I used the example of how the slope of a continental shelf can influence the magnitude of a storm surge. I received a phone call shortly after posting the blog from a friend asking me, "Please explain more about a storm surge so I can be smarter than my 5th grader."

So here is a little more information to help all the struggling parents/grandparents stay ahead of their children. A storm surge is simply water being pushed ashore by the fierce winds which accompany a major storm system (usually a hurricane). The difference in a storm surge and a tsunami is the force responsible for the water coming ashore. If the causing force comes from below the water, an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption, it will be a tsunami. However if the causative factor comes from above the water, a hurricane or cyclone, it will be a storm surge.

What geographical features can make a storm surge more dangerous? The level of the land above sea level is a critical factor. If your house is located only a few feet above sea level it doesn't take much water to flood it. The Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastlines of the United States are densely populated areas situated an average of only 10 feet above sea level.

Another important factor in the height of the storm surge is the continental shelf slope off shore. If there is a shallow shelf leading up to the land the surge will be bigger because there is nowhere else for the water to go. The coming wave will have to keep growing up (since downward growth is not a possibility) until it hits land. A steep off shore continental shelf is able to contain the water and diminish the surge which comes ashore.

Just to make things a little more complicated you must remember to factor in the time when a storm surge is likely to occur. A surge combined with high tides results in more water. A low tide and a storm surge will produce less water.

Well that is enough of a geography lesson for one day. Remember that you asked me for the information. On the bright side, I am certain that you are now smarter than a 5th grader.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Know Your Geography

Wednesday August 4, 2010

How much geography are the schools teaching our children these days? Geography and history have been combined and placed under the broad and vague heading of social studies. (I think social studies is a ridiculous name. It suggests that you will be tested on the previous day's Entertainment Tonight report.) Most of my teacher friends say that the priority is placed on reading, writing, and math development. There just isn't a lot of time left to spend on geography.

I am lobbying all teachers to spend the little time they have allocated for geography teaching their students the information which could one day save their lives. Consider the natural disasters which are most likely to threaten the area in which you and your students live. It could be wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, etc. Next design a class plan which will identify and explore the local geographical conditions which will impact these disasters.

For any schools located along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast an important geography lesson should be about the slope of the continental shelf off their local coastline.
There could be a discussion and demonstration of how a shallow shelf will produce a greater storm surge compared to a steeper continental shelf. Teachers could divide their students into teams, give each team a set of geographical facts (hurricane strength, landfall coordinates, and tide tables) and let them figure out if they would survive the storm. My experience is that kids love this kind of exercise. The most important thing is that one day it might be much more than a classroom exercise. If this should happen you will have imparted valuable skills which could help them survive.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Program That Dial!

Wednesday July 28, 2010

We are fast approaching the dangerous time period of hurricane activity. Although the Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1st to November 30th, the peak of hurricane activity is from August to October. During these three months 87% of all category 1 or 2 hurricanes and 96% of all category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes occur. All but one of the ten deadliest hurricanes in United States history have struck during this time frame.

During this critical time period it is important to stay informed about any developing storm systems. One of the easiest ways to stay informed is to know the emergency broadcast systems for your area. It is wise to program one of the emergency stations onto your car radio. These radio stations will announce vital information related to storm strength and direction, evacuation routes and road closures, and shelter openings. (For Okaloosa County, Florida the EMS stations are AM 1260, FM 99.5, FM 105.5, FM 96.5, and FM 93.3).

So go ahead and program that radio dial. During the dangerous time, on the dangerous road during an evacuation it is wonderfully reassuring to have an informed calm voice leading you to safety.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Vacation Time

Tuesday June 22, 2010

What happens if a disaster threatens your home while you are away on vacation? I consider myself the queen of evacuation preparedness but this talent won't do me any good if I am not home to use it. Before going out of town for a vacation you need to have a contingency evacuation plan in place. I understand that you are very busy with last minute packing and errands related to your trip so here are five steps to quickly complete your contingency plan.

1. Identify a friend or relative who would be willing to evacuate a few items for you should you be out of town during an evacuation.

2. Select only the most important items to be taken.

3. Consolidate and pack the items for transport.

4. Leave a written list of the items you are requesting to be evacuated and their location posted in your home.

5. Be sure to exchange all important contact information with the person responsible for the contingency plan.

Now go ahead and have a wonderful vacation! When it is time to come home don't forget to bring your "evacuation back up buddy" a nice souvenir.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

What Are Your Dreams?

Wednesday June 16, 2010

I love to talk with children about their dreams. Children are very candid in discussing both their night time dreams and their dreams for the future. I am amazed at the ability children have to remember their dreams from the night before with all of the dream's amazing details. Children describe their dreams for the future with equally great enthusiasm. They might plan to be an artist and create beautiful paintings or perhaps a builder who constructs "the tallest building ever!" I find it refreshing that kids haven't yet learned to limit what they believe they are capable of accomplishing.

As we get older we can lose our dreams. We are often in such a rush in the morning that we can not remember the dreamworld we just left. Even the future dreams which were once so precious to us can fade away if we allow them to. If you have managed to hold onto and continue working towards your dreams into adulthood it is critical to evacuate this body of work with you during any disaster.

I have met people who failed to evacuate their "dream work" and bitterly regretted it. One young woman, a writer and artist, left her complete portfolio behind when she evacuated from Hurricane Katrina. She had spent years creating this portfolio and it was all lost. Another woman, middle-aged but determined, had been designing handbags and planning for the day she could launch her own label. She too lost everything in the haste and confusion of evacuating from a wildfire. After a disaster, any disaster, what will sustain you are your hopes and dreams for the future. Don't leave them behind!

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

The Danger We Know

Thursday June 10, 2010

I have been beating the drum and calling out warnings related to the potential danger of the present hurricane season. "Listen, I cry out, the sea temperatures which fuel the storms are warmer than 2005. Surely you remember Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma and what they did to us. Now is the time to prepare!"

People are still listening to me but their reaction is much different this year. I am encountering a great deal of fatalistic and apathetic behavior and I don't like it. Everyone wants to know one thing from me and that is, "How will the oil spill impact hurricanes?"

So I've spent some time doing a little research trying to find the answer. If a hurricane forms and tracks from the west to the east of the oil slick it could push the oil to shore. However if the hurricane comes at the oil slick from the east the winds could push the oil away from landfall. (Remember that a hurricane spins in a counter-clockwise rotation.) There are just too many variables to take into consideration. So the truth is I don't know how the oil spill will impact a hurricane and I don't think anyone does. This is a disaster we have never had to face before and so there is no past experience to guide us.

We have had a great deal of experience with hurricanes. We know what they can do and what we need to do to be prepared for them. The coming storm season could be a deadly one. Everyone needs to start preparing now for the danger we know.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Worried?

Thursday June 3, 2010

The start of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane was 2 days ago and I am already exhausted. I, along with many other Gulf Coast residents, am exhausted from worrying about the oil spill and the disaster lurking somewhere out in our beautiful waters. I am doing everything I can possible think of related to the oil spill. I am monitoring the projected path of the oil on the NOAA website. I am going to the beach every day just to enjoy nature's beauty while it is still available to me. I am praying that my community will be allowed to keep the pristine white beaches it is so famous for. Okay enough! I will continue to do all of these things but I am also going to try and not worry so much. Instead I intend to transform my senseless worry energy into productive actions.

I will make some evacuation plans for the present hurricane season. I hope you will too. We should start by making a list of the top ten items to take during an evacuation. Let's focus all of our positive energy into identifying the ten items in our homes which mean the most to us. Once we have made our selections it is important for us to write down our list of items and their locations. When rushed it is easy to forget where something has been stored. Congratulations! We have taken an important first step in preparing for this hurricane season. I feel much better. Now everyone needs to have a glass of wine and a little bite of chocolate and try not to worry so much.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 26,2010

Sometimes we get so busy we forget to stop and remember what is really important. We are approaching one of those times. The long Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer season and, for many, the ending of the school year. It is a weekend filled to the brim with parties, picnics, sporting events, and short road trips with the family. All of these activities are great fun but they are not what Memorial Day should represent. The holiday is intended as a time to honor the men and women who have died while in the United States military service. The brave people who have fought and fallen so that the rest of us have the luxury of parties, picnics, etc.

In the midst of all the rush everyone needs to pause and remember our departed military protectors. If you have a family member who falls into this category consider including items from their military service on your evacuation list. I once saw a strong grown man reduced to tears after he realized that he had left his deceased father's flag and medals behind during an evacuation. We should all make the necessary preparations so his painful mistake will not be repeated.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Younger Friends

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Fate has conspired to both bless and curse me with considerably younger girlfriends. Of course this age difference often makes things difficult. The energy these younger friends have is impressive. When we exercise together they are running while I am walking. I am sure you get the picture.

However lately something has changed in my younger friends lives. Frankly, they haven't been looking quite so young and fresh. Indeed it is fair to say that their appearance would have to be placed in the exhausted and haggard category. Like mothers everywhere they are all trying to survive the end-of-the-school-year sprint. This is an extreme sport requiring strength, patience, endurance, and advanced multitasking skills. There are no first place winners in this sport. Instead there are a group of survivors who after the dance recital, the final t-ball game, and the last end-of-year class party come together to bond and exchange war stories over a glass of wine (also known as mommy juice). God bless them all for running the good race!

I have decided to over look my petty jealousy that they are younger, thinner, and nicer than me and give them a little hint to make their lives easier. You will need a 10x13" envelope. As you are emptying out the contents of your children backpacks or clearing off the pile of school papers and photos on your kitchen counter choose some school work, drawings, and photos which represent each of your children. Now place these items into the envelope and mail it for safe keeping to a trusted friend who lives outside of your area. If you ever have to evacuate it will be a great comfort to know that you already have some precious memories stored someplace safe.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

"Will Our Luck Hold?"

Thursday May 6, 2010

I live in paradise. Really, I do. My paradise is also known as Destin, Florida. Destin is a little city on the Gulf of Mexico which is blessed with sunny skies, sugar white beaches, and sparkling emerald waters. My community started out as a collection of fishing camps and, to this day, fishing has remained the heart and soul of the area. For generations the beautiful Gulf waters have provided abundant fresh seafood to residents and visitors alike. Destin has long proclaimed itself to be the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". Ever since the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill I have been worried about the impact on my home. I wonder, "Will Destin's luck hold?"

For over two weeks 200,000 gallons of oil a day has been pouring from the well into our Gulf waters. No one seems to know what caused this explosion (which claimed 11 lives) or when the gushing oil flow can be stopped. In the meantime, the spill area has become massive and just continues to grow. As this environmental disaster slowly but steadily makes its way towards land, everyone is holding their breath to see which areas will be the most impacted.

It is important to realize that there is a very real possibility that some coastal residents will have to evacuate due to diminishing air quality. I am urging anyone with sensitive respiratory conditions living along the Gulf Coast to start making preliminary evacuation preparations.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Don't Trust Technology!

Although I know that when functioning and used properly technology is a wonderful tool, I still don't trust it. My experience is that technology often assumes the characteristics of a highly sensitive and demanding individual. It is easily offended by a single misdirected keystroke and retaliates with the silent black screen treatment. I have often been left sitting confused before a blank screen thinking, "What did I do?" I then have had to slowly and painstakingly woo the rogue equipment back onto speaking terms with me.

Two young business people I know have had technology breakdowns recently which prevented them from communicating with their clients during a critical time. Life would be so much easier if everyone would just believe me when I say, "Technology is not to be trusted." At any moment and for a variety of reasons it can just leave you just when you most need it.

What should be done about this evil possibility? I have a radical idea. You will need pen, paper, finger, and the memory center of your brain. First, you will need to write down the names and associated phone numbers from your computer and cell phone logs onto the paper. Next you must dedicate one week to actually looking at the phone list and using your finger to enter all of these numbers each time you call someone. (I am shocked by the number of people who have no idea what their family and friend's phone numbers are. We have all become accustomed to just scrolling through a list of names and pushing the call button.) If you will do this for one week you will probably memorize the most frequently called numbers. This is good because the memory center is one storage compartment which should always be packed with valuable information and ready to evacuate.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

How Did I Get This Old?

Wednesday April 7, 2010

It is my birthday this week and I am trying to figure out how I could have possible gotten so old. I will be 54 in a few days and that is more than half of a century! I did the math a couple of times just to confirm this advanced age and , no matter how much I played with the numbers, the answer remained 54.

I should have known it. There are so many tell tale signs which reveal which century I am more comfortable in. When I go to the library I am still surprised when my book is scanned by a computer instead of stamped by a human. I have been known to sit in my car at the gas station waiting for an attendant to come and pump my gas (as if that is ever going to happen again). I am so old that I am able to remember a time before we knew so much about nutrition and the danger lurking in our yummy food. Yes indeed, I spent decades munching on countless cheeseburgers and fries without a single pang of guilt. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. I haven't given up eating my cheeseburgers and fries but now I feel guilty with every bite.

However it is nice to remember all the special memories and items associated with my past birthdays. I can remember the year my cat decided to have her kittens during my birthday party and ten little girls crowded around the cat's blanket to observe the birth process. This was much more fascinating than the party games my mother had planned.One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother taking me to buy a piece of silver each year around my birthday. She would make a special occasion of our outings and would treat me to lunch in the department store's restaurant after our birthday purchase. I treasure this set of silver from my grandmother so much that it is one of the items I take with me each time I have to evacuate.

Do you have things associated with special birthday memories? If so, you should consider adding these possessions to your list of evacuation items.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

I SAW THE LIGHT!

Tuesday March 30, 2010

I saw the sun shining today! It was only a brief encounter before the sky turned cloudy and gray again. Still, I really saw the sun shining brightly for a brief time and it filled me with hope. I understand that there might be some people reading this and thinking, "So what if you saw the sun?" Please allow me to explain. It had been a very long time since the sun had graced me with its warming rays. In fact, I had just about given up on any spring weather showing up this year.

Yes, I was aware that the calendar was claiming that spring had arrived. Yes, I saw all of the brightly colored shorts, bathing suits, and sundresses displayed in the stores. Yes, I was encountering the packs of spring breakers running around Florida and partying like there was no tomorrow. However No, I simply could not believe it was really springtime while I still had to bundled up in a jacket, sweater, and boots in order to stay warm.

Something is obviously very wrong here. I live in Florida and we are only one day away from April. I should not be denied my fair share of springtime's warm worry free weather. After all the start of the hurricane season, June 1st, is only two months away. I believe everyone needs the gradual warming of spring's weather in which to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. What will happen if we are denied this transition time? When the weather is this unseasonably cold it is easy to pretend that summer and early fall, seasons of glorious and sometimes dangerous weather, are a long way off. Will people start to prepare? I hope they will "see the light" as I did and be inspired to start their hurricane preparations.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Saving School Photos

Wednesday March 24, 2010

This week one of my granddaughters had her kindergarten class photograph taken at school. The taking of school and class photos is a much bigger deal now than it was when I was a kid. Back then you were herded into one very long line and plopped down on a stool in front of a plain screen. You were given about two seconds to look up and smile, hopefully in the right direction, before being herded off again. One memorable year the school photos were taken directly following P.E. class and everyone's dirty, sweaty, and exhausted image was captured for posterity. Nowadays the photographer is likely to bring a variety of backdrops and props and take more time with the shot. I have also actually seen teachers and aids straightening the clothing and hair of the children. The resulting photographs turn out much better. This is good because your photographs are important.

During disasters many people loose their precious photographs. This past week a lady named Cathy Long gave me a helpful suggestion regarding the safeguarding of your photos. Cathy is a teacher who lost her family photographs, among many other possessions, during Hurricane Katrina. However all was not really lost because Cathy always had extra copies made of all her pictures to share with relatives. Following the disaster, copies were now made of the relatives photographs and sent back to replace what she had lost.

So it pays to be generous and share all of your family photographs (even the school ones) with a friend or relative living outside of your area. You would be not only be brightening their day with the photos but would also be establishing a backup collection of your family's photographs.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Maybe Prayers Really Work

March 16, 2010 Tuesday

Following the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake which rocked Chili on February 28 of this year I, along with many others, grieved for all the impacted population. I thought how helpless they must have felt to have faced such giant devastation without any warning. I also felt helpless to not be able to assist the survivors immediately.

Then my thoughts turned to the tsunami danger which had been created and unleashed by this earthquake. I wondered how bad the tsunami would be and where it would go. Would Hawaii be hit by another deadly tsunami? It was natural for me to think along these lines since I have spent a great deal of time in Hawaii through the years on business or vacation. During my visits there I made friends with people who had lost family members during past tsunamis. Every time I would hear the horns blaring in the monthly tsunami drills I would look out at the Hilo harbor and remember the people who had perished there.

So I was in front of my TV watching the live reports from Hawaii and praying that the tsunami would not be so bad and that everyone would managed to evacuate before it arrived. Maybe prayers really work because most of the tsunami waves which hit Hawaii's shores were less than 3 feet and not deadly. Hawaii got really lucky and dodged a natural disaster bullet.

The state of Hawaii deserves to be congratulated for a job well done related to the evacuation of their citizens. Almost everyone was asleep in bed when the first warning sirens sounded. Still in just 5 hours between 40 to 50 thousand people had evacuated to high ground, buses had collected the homeless population from beach areas and transported them to safety, boats and ships were moved to safer positions, and critical supplies had been deployed should they be required. Could the mainland states do as well? Once again I am praying that we could.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Earthquake evacuation?

March 10,2010

I have had a great many inquires lately related to evacuations and earthquakes. This is not surprising since there have been three major earthquakes (Haiti, Chili, and Turkey)already this year. Earthquake activity is closely monitored by scientists around the world and their research supplies the public with some very valuable information. These scientist are able to tell us how big and where an earthquake is likely to happen. They can even predict what the likely effects on the impacted area will be. The big problem is that science has not yet discovered a way to tell us when the earthquake will occur. It could be tomorrow or it could be fifty years from now.

I consider earthquakes are one of the very worst natural disasters because they strike without warning. I am sorry to report that without this critical warning you will not be able to evacuate from an earthquake. Everyone must first survive the earthquake and then they can consider whether or not to evacuate.

Here are the basics to surviving during an earthquake. FEMA reports that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. So try to remain in your immediate area if at all possible. If you are inside seek immediate shelter under a heavy desk or table and hold on. You should stay away from exterior walls and any heavy furniture or glass objects which could shatter or fall on you. Anyone finding themselves outside during an earthquake should go to an open area away from buildings, trees, and utility lines.

There is a lot of useful information about earthquakes at www.earthquake.usgs.gov

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Stretched To The Limit

Thursday February 25, 20120

Does anyone else, besides me, feel stretched to the limit? I am not talking about the normal post holiday weight expansion. I am referring to not having enough time, energy, or money to take care of all the things which need tending to. I can't be the only one torn by both the medical needs of older family members and the child care needs of young grandchildren.

I believe there have to be a lot of other people out there in similar circumstances and I think we should form a support group for ourselves. Just consider the possibilities, the power, should we band together and organize. There would be strength in our numbers. We could use this strength to lobby for a fairer and simpler system. We could start with a universal diaper coupon; a coupon good on any size from preemie to adult extra large. The same fairness should hold for buying formula whether it is similac or ensure. And what about day care? Why can't we drop everyone off -babies and old folks- at the same place. Their needs of diapering, feeding, and nap time are basically the same.

Okay all kidding aside, if we can become this frazzled with our family responsibilities during normal times can you imagine would happen during an evacuation? I can certainly imagine the scene and it is not a pretty one. Our only hope is to get organized now. You should start by compiling a list of the basic supplies necessary to care for each family member you are responsible for. As you do your grocery shopping each week purchase a few items from the list and store them with your personal evacuation supplies. This preparedness won't make all of the stress disappear but hopefully it will reduce it.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Southern Snow

Friday February 12, 2010

I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee where (at least during my childhood) the term southern snow referred to year's cotton crop. During the baling and transport of the harvest many fluffy, white cotton bolls managed to escaped and fill the warm, blue, southern skies. Soft cotton spheres would be carried by the winds and collect in cotton drifts on the curbs. A child could construct a cottonman in bare feet and not worry about the creation melting. Snow was an unfamiliar weather condition which came rarely in my childhood.

Well obviously that was long ago and a much different world. Nowadays cotton is plastic wrapped so not to lose a single boll and the entire South seems to be blanketed in snow for long stretches during the winter. Every day a new snowfall record is reported. Take, for example, the Dallas-Ft.Worth area which reported 12.5" of snowfall in a 24 hour period from February 11-12th. This was the snowiest period of time in the area's recorded history.

All of this extreme weather makes it vital to learn some cold weather terms.
1. Frost/Freeze Warning-below freezing temperatures should be expected
2. Winter Weather Advisory-your area is likely to have snow, sleet, and
freezing rain. The roads may become hazardous.
3. Winter Storm Warning-All of the above weather conditions will happen.
Take precautions to prepare for them.
4. Blizzard Warning-Go to a safe shelter at once. The area will experience
snow accompanied by strong winds. These weather conditions will combine to
produce limited or no visibility, high snow drifts, and life-threatening
wind chill temperatures.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Sunny California?

Friday January 29, 2010

I recently returned from ten days in Southern California, at least I think I was in Southern California. Everyone knows the PR on Southern California--a land which has constant sunny skies and tons of beautiful people living beneath these skies. I am wondering if that version of Southern California is constructed and then filmed by some sort of movie magic because that was definitely not the land I was in. The place I visited was gray, wet, and cold.

No truthfully it was worse than that, much worse. There were fierce rainstorms, brutal winds, and floods. The area also experienced hail and a tornado. As a result of this lovely weather there were road and interstate closures, wide-spread power outages, and emergency evacuations of 2,000 hillside homes. The citizens of this sodden land were not the attractive people I had expected to see. Of course I admit it is difficult to look good when your hair and clothes have been soaked and your make-up is smeared all over your face.

The entire time I was out there I had a piece of a song lyric stuck in my head. "It never rains in Southern California" by Albert Hammond was on a loop in my brain. It was my personal protest song against the terrible weather I had to endure during my visit. I came back from my trip more aware that everyone needs a good evacuation plan. You never know what you will have to evacuate from--the hurricane, the fire, or maybe even the rain.

P.S. When I got home I looked up the complete lyrics to the song. I should have paid closer attention to Mr. Hammond's message which states "It never rains in California but, girl, don't they warn ya It pours, man, it pours."

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Post Christmas Blues

I love the holiday season and all the activities which accompany it--the parties, the shopping, the decorating, etc. Every year when I have to face a new year I get a little sad. The parties have all been attended and the presents have all been opened. Bummer.

All that is left to do is take down my beautiful Christmas trees. I HATE DOING THIS! I am exceedingly vain regarding the glorious appearance of my Christmas trees. Their shining presence adds greatly to the decor of my home. When they are removed the home environment just seems, well duller. I feel like an exotic, exciting visitor has departed. I usually console myself by eating my way through all the remaining Christmas cookies, holiday pies, and candy containers in the house.

However all is not lost because even in the sad circumstances of Christmas tree removal, there is an evacuation preparation which can be done. Everyone I know has some holiday ornaments or decorations which they particularly cherish. Some of the items are elaborate and costly and some are simple and handmade. All of the items represent a memory of a special event.

My suggestion is to store these ornaments in a readily accessible location (not under all the other Christmas stuff where you would never find them). If you have to evacuate grab this box. Should you lose everything you will have your most prized ornaments to start your new holiday collection.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com