And go figure it happened to me! Two months ago I had written a blog about hurricane preparation (Are you ready for the Hurricane 2008 Season) and provided a detailed checklist (in reference to the Ft. Rucker Commissary) of the essential things your family would need to survive the aftermath.
Well, I am writing again on the topic to inform you that I WAS NOT prepared. It was about 8:20 pm and the Fort Rucker / Enterprise AL area was feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Fay. I was on Active Rain when I heard a faint sound over my nightly viewing of Young and the Restless. I approached the kitchen window only to discover the Inclement Weather Sirens were wailing. I proceeded to the front yard only to find the sun had disappeared from the horizon, a faint pinkish sky and all my surrounding neighbors standing outside wondering the same thing I was... "Is there a tornado nearby?" After five minutes of waiting to hear the pre-recorded message that normally plays after the alarm to inform the neighborhoods why the alarm had been sounded, a Ft. Rucker Military Police (Fort Rucker MP) patrol car turned onto our road to inform all of us that a tornado had been spotted 1 ½ miles away. Without hesitation, I grabbed my son and we headed for the closet in the hallway that I had designated for the situation, only to find that it was packed full (Ft. Rucker housing - offering limited storage space). I eventually made enough room in the closet for my son, the family dog and myself (even though the hallway was a tight squeeze) to seek shelter.
The moral of my story - my hurricane refuge WAS NOT equipped for our occupancy. I had my son gathering pillows, blankets and getting the water (he was also concerned with his rock collection, Baseball cards, coin collection, and Nintendo DS) while I was locating the flashlights, batteries and snacks.
The next day, I reorganized my bedroom closet to accommodate my belongings in the hallway, reviewed the Hurricane Checklist to see what I needed and Googled "Can you Hear A Tornado"?
NOW, I am better prepared for the unknown of Hurricane Gustave (recent update - Tropical Storm Hanna) and the uncertainties it will bring to my family.
The Hurricane season is in full effect. Here in the Fort Rucker / Enterprise Alabama area we are subject to the winds of the hurricane which can cause unpredicted tornado's. If you are relocating to the Fort Rucker area become familiar with the evacuation routes, hurricane preparation checklists and practice the Hurricane / Tornado drills with all family members (don't forget about your pets).
Informative Links for Weather Emergency Preparation:
National Hurricane Center (US)
American Red Cross - Prepared for the Hurricane
Pinellas County, Florida Emergency Hurricane Preparedness Handbook
Michelle Tucker - Realty World SHAP
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