Sunday, November 4, 2012

STORM SURGE

A huge invasion of aliens from another planet are marching from east to west and destroying all living creatures in their pathway. Would you run up to meet them? No, of course not. Logically, you would move out of harm’s way and let them pass by. The same principal applies to hurricanes and tropical storms. The National Weather Service has vastly improved its ability to predict storms and their paths. When the NWS provides information, you should take heed. They aren’t randomly or rashly indicating potential trouble. Thus, when you are instructed to evacuate – go. Do not stop to dawdle, just go. The old adage of better safe than sorry is appropriate. Period. End of discussion.

In America, we have the delightful right to live our lives the way that we want to as long as it doesn’t adversely affect others. As an adult over the age of 18, we have to take responsibility for ourselves and our dependents. I am horrified and angered by the decision of adults to stay in a Hurricane Sandy mandated evacuation zone with their children. They endangered no only their own life but the youth and vulnerable adults in their care. Unfortunately, several children were harmed or died as the result of their parent/guardian’s foolish choice. That is unconscionable. There ought to be a law that forces all children out of mandated evacuation zones. If their stupid parents want to remain, they can but at least make certain that the kids will be okay.

A friend of mine, Tracy, departed to volunteer with the Red Cross before Sandy came ashore. Tracy was placed with an ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) crew outside the expected pathway of Sandy. If they had journeyed closer to the coast they could have become a victim and unable to help anyone. That is why emergency response always waits outside the storm zone and roads must be cleared before they can get to the hardest hit areas. I was irritated that the media did not explain why it takes a couple days for responders to enter the disaster zone. I am certain that Tracy will have lots of interesting stories when she gets home in a couple weeks. Alas, I am too busy to volunteer at this time.

Please prepare your disaster kit www.ready.gov , become an emergency response volunteer www.voad.org , and/or donate www.redcross.org .

Stay safe.
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

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