As we all nervously watch the news to see if Hanna is coming our way, we realize that preparation is key.  The folks in Louisiana were well prepared this time around, and even though Gustav was weaker than initially predicted, it’s easy to see that knowing where a hurricane will come ashore and how strong it will be is not an exact science.  Even though we have “Viper”, doppler and all sorts of high tech weather equipment, we’re still dealing with unpredictable Mother Nature……

Since Hugo in 1989, we have had a few close calls (Bertha, Floyd) that caused evacuations.  If you live east of Hwy 17 in the Charleston area, which includes Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island and many neighborhoods in Mt. Pleasant, you need to be thinking of your plans. 

Numerous local websites have hurricane preparation tips: these include charleston.net, and local news stations have good updates- live5news.com, counton2.com and wciv.com.

From my own experience, take a walk around your yard and try to move things inside your garage or under your house.  Flower pots, bird feeders, lawn chairs, etc. can become projectiles in strong winds.  If you have to evacuate, take a file of important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, insurance information, a bank statement, ….basically any financial or insurance info for which you would need account numbers.  Throw photos/videos into a big bin and take them all- they can’t be replaced! If your pictures are on your computer, download to a disc and take it with you.  Make sure you have needed medications for yourself/family members. And don’t forget about pet arrangements, as a lot of hotels and shelters do not allow pets.  Don’t forget to shut off the water valve and the breakers!