Siesta Key Beach from my window
Hurricane season has started for many of us! Since I live on the beach on Siesta Key, a barrier island in Sarasota, Florida, any time there is a major hurricane, we have a mandatory evacuation. Over the years in all this preparation, anxiety, and decision-making, here are some of the life lessons I have learned:
- PREPARE FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST. Like everyone else in the area, I begin to pack precious things away, get water, canned food, candles and gas, fill water containers, clean out the refrigerator, go through important papers, get all my work clothes and materials ready, and generally plan for the possibility of either being stranded at home without electricity or being off the island and without power for several days or more. Although this is a lot of work, I am always deeply grateful when none of these preparations are needed!
- BE FLEXIBLE. I’ve learned to have a series of plans depending on the harshness of the storm. My first plan is always to go to a girlfriend’s condo downtown. Then if the news looks worse, I try to find a place in a friend’s home inland. In the meantime, I reserve a room at a hotel near the airport in case no one has extra room, and finally, it is also possible to completely leave town and drive north. It is still stressful trying to determine the best course of action, but the most important thing I have learned is to keep all options open.
- DETERMINE WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO YOU. As I always struggle with what to pack away, which rooms would likely survive windows blowing out, and which things to take with me, I really begin to think about what I would miss if I lost everything. Of course, the first thing I do is to pack all my pictures in a plastic tub, cover both the étagère that holds my doll collection and my grand piano, and move my desktop computer to the only room without windows. I pack my insurance policies, my checkbooks, my daytimer, my Iphone, laptop and Ipad as well as an overnight bag with toiletries and fresh clothes and underwear. Then come the decisions about what else to save. What really amazed me the first time I had to evacuate was how little I realized I would truly miss – they are all just “things” that can probably be replaced, but of course lives cannot. (I even almost secretly hoped that all the piles of papers and books that I need to sort through might just “happen” to get wet and I could simply dump them without any guilt! 😉
- BE BLESSSED WITH HOW MANY PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU. Each time this has happened I have been overwhelmed with all the calls, emails, and texts from friends and family all over the world who have shared their concern for my safety as well as the precious gift of their prayers. I have been deeply touched by the generosity of so many who have offered me a place to stay, their help in any way I might need, and even financial help if needed.The National Speakers Association, for example, calls every member in the affected area when there is a disaster to offer help. One of my dear speaker friends knew I had a speaking event during the last evacuation and even offered to be my backup if I could not get out! This has made me even more aware of how important it is to show others how much we care about them
- PRAY UNCEASINGLY FOR OTHERS. Even though I have been spared in the past, we all must keep praying for others who have been greatly impacted by these storms. Prayers DO count! I may still get water in my condo; however, that is a small inconvenience compared to so many, many others.
I will always remember these lessons and the GOODNESS of people and the way we can come together during a crisis. Our world desperately needs this hope right now, and for those of us on the coast, especially during hurricane season!
For more information about Barbara and her work, go to www.barbaraglanz.com
