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For What it’s Worth by L.E. Murphy

H i everyone. Well, it’s that time of the year again. The snowbirds are gone, the traffic is lighter (maybe) and the heat is on. That also means the dreaded anxiety that comes with hurricane season. It runs from June 1 through November 30, but to my recollection, my worst fears rise up in August and September. But this year I am going to be positive. Not about the storms, no one wants them, but about getting myself as prepared ahead of time. Unless you are new to Florida, it is no surprise that we have to stock up on canned and non-perishable food, water and medicine, but we don’t have to wait until the last ominous moment, or drain our bank account because we’re racing around at the last minute buying

everything we can get our hands on. Here is my plan. I am going to stock up on bottled water each time I go to the food store. Let me add right here that there are plenty of ways to use the water that comes from the tap. Just pour as much as you can into things like pots and pitchers. Hey, water is water! There should be plenty on the shelf so that no one gets rammed by a crazed shopper at the last minute. I’m also going to stock up on food that I know I’ll use throughout the year if we don’t have a hurricane. For me, that means tuna fish, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, spam (ugh! But I buy it every year, and have never once eaten it) and lots and lots of snacks! Don’t forget pet food for our furry friends who will feel the same anxiety that you feel if you’re not prepared. As for

medicine, don’t wait until the last minute to refill a prescription, and some physicians/pharmacies will give you medication early to have on hand. I don’t know about you, but as soon as I hear there is a hurricane out there somewhere, I clean. It’s true! I’m like a madwoman mopping floors, straightening closets and dusting furniture. Why? Who knows? I’m not here to explain my weirdness to you, I’m just stating the facts! I also never let my car gas tank get below three quarters of a tank. It’s like a security blanket so that if the time comes, I don’t have to face lines of cars or signs that say “out of gas”. For the kids, stock up on things to do, like puzzles and games. I’d say books but even though they’re my best friends, most children would disagree. If your children are addicted to their electronics, you might have more to worry about besides wind and rain. An addict without their fix isn’t a pretty sight! And don’t forget to fill your bathtubs or other containers so that you can add water to the back of your toilet to flush during power outages. Stock up on flashlights, batteries and insect repellent. Also, my favorite, paper towels. I love the environment and try very hard not to overuse them unless there is a hurricane. Then I give myself permission. Hey, I can’t help it. It makes me calm! Please don’t rely upon candles. They’re good for light, but they’re also good for burning down your house. As always, it goes without saying to move all your outdoor

furniture and flying objects inside or they will move themselves inside through the window they break during strong winds. And it also goes without saying, NEVER leave your pets outside. Hopefully you have window protection. Hurricane windows and doors are

optimal, but good old fashioned metal shutters do just as good a job, although you can’t wait until the wind has picked up to install them. They can become dangerous. If you are using shutters, make sure that after the wind dies down, they come off. They can’t stay on all summer because it hampers being rescued in an emergency. If you do decide to leave, make your plane reservations early. Planes stop flying at a certain point well before the hurricane. Also bridges are barricaded once the wind reaches a certain speed. If you are going to leave by car, just remember that in past years, some hurricanes have covered the entire state and even on up to Georgia, so staying put might be your best bet. Once you make your plans, you can rest easier knowing that you’ve done all you can do. For What it’s Worth, I’ve lived here almost fifty years, and fingers crossed, I’m still here to write about it! Good luck and be safe to us all!

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