Gustav Evacuations

[David]

Would you stay or would you go?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/...isle.evacs.cnn

It's natural for coastal residents to wonder where to go. Red Cross has set up at least fifty shelters in the area, but I don't know how big those shelters are or what their capacity is. But I don't think the authorities are explaining the crux well enough. In a hurricane -- an extreme low-pressure system -- every foot you can get above mean sea level is a foot that can save your life. The land is so low along the coast, but you don't necessarily need to evacuate 300 miles inland to give yourself & your family an advantage. Go inland far enough so that you can give yourself even a few feet in elevation. Every foot in elevation is an edge. (Naturally, other things, like reinforced concrete shelter, are important, too.) Bring bottled water with you (which you should have bought by now -- Gustav has been in the news for almost a week), & bring cans of baked beans & a hand can-opener with you. Bring waterproof matches, which you can buy in any sporting goods or Army/Navy store. Bring rainproof ponchos & shoes or boots. (Cold weather generally isn't a threat in a hurricane.)

And for the next time: In California, smart families have earthquake plans. Smart families in hurricane-prone coastal areas in the East should have hurricane plans. After Katrina, every family should have made hurricane plans. Those that did not should draw up for themselves an evacuation plan after Gustav passes. Two killer hurricanes in three years: It's well past time for those Gulf Coast residents to take planning seriously.