Hurricane Rita Aftermath
Posted September 26, 2005
by: Annette M. Hall
As Hurricane Rita settles
down reports are beginning to trickle in from those areas affected. A few members of our
homeschool webmasters list have been kind enough to check in and
report that things are not quite back to normal yet.
Victoria, Texas citizens were under mandatory evacuation orders on Thursday,
though many families left, the town was spared the wrath of Hurricane Rita and
weren't even affected by the
forceful winds or
rain. Those we spoke with are considering this
a hurricane drill
and using the lessons they have learned to help them in future situations.
Last minute preparations are not always adequate as many residence found, when
canned goods, water, toilet paper and ice flew off the shelves at a record pace and
are only now being slowly restocked. Hardware stores had rationed the amount of
plywood an individual could purchase due to record demand.
One hurricane survivor
says they have numbered the plywood sheets used to board up their windows and
will have them ready in preparation for future needs.
Rebecca had this to say of her experience, "That's one less thing we will
have to do - next time. We will never have to make a last minute rush for lumber to
board up our windows. They had put a limit on how much plywood an individual could
purchase!"
Reports came from every locality being evacuated because of Hurricane Rita, gas
stations were out of gas, leaving many stranded by the side of the road. Those who
were fortunate enough to find fuel, were often forced to wait in line for hours.
The gasoline shortage was due in part to the panic of the evacuation and unexpected
travel plans due to the
impending storm.
Gasoline at the pump is now slowly becoming available once again. Refueling efforts
have been hampered due to a lack of truck drivers and road conditions. Many service
stations on the southbound route now have gas available again for those evacuees who are
venturing back home.
Restocking
Grocery store shelves are still pretty bare but restocking efforts have begun in
earnest since deliveries are once again being allowed in areas less affected by
the storm. As folks are able to return to work, restocking the shelves will proceed.
Some stores are actually bringing in extra workers from stores around the state of
Texas, in order to speed the restocking efforts.
Susan had this to say, "Who would have thought that grocery store clerks/stockers
would be deployed? They show up in their grocery store uniform with an overnight bag and
then a bus takes them to Houston and places them at the stores they need the extra help at.
Lastest report is some stores are getting trucks once an hour."
Many of the services residents depend on have been slow to return. Projections are
that in the areas least affected by the storm,
residence could experience the banks and mail delivery starting up again as early as
tomorrow, with garbage pickup getting underway shortly there after. Of course those
areas, which have been hardest hit will take much longer to begin to see the return
of basic services. Many areas are still lacking electricity and water, which are of
course a priority.
Those living in hurricane prone areas should prepare ahead of time for hurricane
season. Waiting to gather supplies once a warning has been issues for your area could
mean that your family is left unprepared. Creating a family ahead of time, including
contact numbers, evacuation route and a list of duties for family members will help
ensure your family doesn't panic in
an emergency and will
go a long way to helping you feel more incontrol of the situation.
Be Prepared
Here is a general supply list to gather and have on-hand at the beginning of
hurricane season.
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person (enough for 3 to 7 days)
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- Blankets and Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal, rain gear and sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit, Medicines and/or Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries, Hygiene items and Moisture wipes
- Flashlight with plenty Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag - insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
- proper identification, immunization records and any medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
Hurricane experts agree that those who live in areas prone to hurricane damage should
prepare their home and property early. FEMA provides an entire section of PDF files
from their website with information homeowners need to help protect their homes in
the event of a future hurricane.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have been affected by both
hurricane Katrina and Rita.
We would love to share your personal hurricane stories with our readers. If you
have first-hand knowledge of current situations in areas affected by either Hurricane
Katrina or Hurricane Rita, or if you have a story to tell please
contact the author of this article.
