When the storm comes…

“What happens if we need to evacuate?”

It feels a bit opportunistic (in light of recent events - lookin at you, Helene), but there are somethings that need to be said out loud.

If you live on the Gulf Coast, it’s more accurate to ask, “What happens WHEN we need to evacuate?” Because at some point you WILL.

We have been vacationing on the same island for 17 years. Hurricane Helene was the first time we were sent packing. We knew there was a storm brewing, but she didn’t show up on our radar until late Sunday. By Monday afternoon, it was called “#2 Potential Tropical Cyclone.”

We, as vacationers, were told on Tuesday at 9 am we were expected leave by noon…on Tuesday. And while we were terribly inconvenienced and tremendously disappointed by our 6 days at the beach being reduced to 2, by the time the storm arrived on land on Thursday evening, we were safely home. But we continued to watch the news and pray for so many who were evacuated from their homes and many who remained in their homes to ride out the storm.

And while the weather news coverage continued to show live footage from the coast of Florida, inland there were so many who were yet to encounter the terrible storms and flooding all across the southeast.

“What happens if…”

Being told to leave a vacation rental is certainly an inconvenience, but what about being told that your home is in the path of a devastating storm? They called the tidal surge “unsurvivable.” Not a whole lot of wiggle room for “what if” in that description.

As if being in the path and being given 48 hours to pack up and leave isn’t scary enough, what about tornados, flooding, or fire where you have little or no warning or time to evacuate?

It’s a grab and go situation!

There’s no easy way to be “grab and go” ready, but it is simple. It will take time and some intentional work, but it’s doable and what a relief when it’s done!

Are you ready to get your photos and important papers “grab and go” ready?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!