Be Prepared!

Today a hurricane hit my country. I am thousands of miles away and not being with my family or friends is making me anxious. I am hoping that all my family members and friends were wise enough to be prepared. Saint Lucians have a history of taking hurricane watches very lightly because of odd diversions that have happened in the past. Better safe than sorry. Some times it's not even the big hurricanes that cause the most damage. It's the tiny tropical storm, case in point Tropical Storm Debbie. One can't be too prepared for something like this, and one should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Here are a few hurricane tips that I hope my loved ones did and for the next storm that may be rolling your way:

1. Secure all important documents in a water proof container. This includes passports, birth, death, wedding, divorce, graduation, etc. certificates, photos, letters, cards, anything that may get destroyed by water damage.

2. Have a hurricane disaster kit. This kit should include canned foods, drinking water, medication anyone in the family uses, first aid supplies, and batteries.

3. Listen to official weather advisories. Don't listen to he say she say. I heard it not coming our way. I heard it not going to do anything. If the country is on a hurricane watch, know what that means. If it's under a hurricane warning, know what that means. Better safe and prepared than sorry.

4. Have an emergency plan for your family and your pets. Many people have died trying to save animals/livestock and even other people. Know your nearest emergency shelter. Have a back up place to meet. Make sure everyone in the family knows this as well, especially younger children. It's a good practice not only for a hurricane but for everything that your children know your full name, not mommy or daddy, your home telephone number, your cellphone and/or work telephone number and your home address (or how to get home if you live somewhere like Saint Lucia that doesn't have house numbers lol). In case of accidental separation or something of that sort, you or any member of your family can possibly go to the police station or fire station or somewhere safe and give the relevant authorities some sort of contact information to get in touch with you.

5. Stay calm. I understand that this may be difficult in an emergency, but it is important that you stay calm and you keep everyone around you as calm as possible. There's a difference between being scared and panicking.

There are other tips available, and I'm sure various weather authorities and even government authority or emergency authorities will remind people of in times like these. It's the hurricane season. Be prepared!