Thursday February 3, 2011

Wednesday February 2, 2011

Recently a severe storm system rolled across the area where I live. I nervously watched the approaching assault on the weather map and listened to the repeated tornado watch and warning bulletins being broadcast. Of course I happened to be home alone and bedtime was fast approaching. Why do tornadoes have such a nasty habit of threatening you at bedtime? Don't we all have a difficult enough time trying to get some sleep during normal time?

There is some but not a great deal of planning which can be done for tornadoes. I've got the basic survival plan down. In the event of a tornado, I know the safest place to run to and take shelter. I have blankets, flashlight, and extra water stashed there. I also made sure my cell phone was completely charged before going to bed.

I also did some Brenda planning (the important stuff you will never see on any official lists). Before retiring to bed during a tornado watch this is what you need to do.
1. Wear decent sleepwear. (In emergencies you often see people
you didn't plan on seeing-news crews, emergency workers, etc.)
2. Sleep in you best jewelery. (If you have to get up and run
the jewelery is packed for evacuation on your body.)
3. Place a pair of quick slip on, closed shoes by the bed.
(I stick my UGGS bedside.)
4. Get your best and largest purse and fill it with the most
critical items you would need. (Vital documents, medicine,
charged cell phone, remaining jewelery, photos, cash, etc.)
Place packed purse beside your shoes.

Once my Brenda planning was done I gathered my NOAA weather radio and went off to bed feeling as prepared as possible. Follow these few simple steps and you also might get some sleep during threatening weather.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

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