Thank you NOAA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prediction

 

I am one of the southerners that prepared for this hurricane season to an all all new level. And while not completely finished even now, I have no regrets on the time or money spent getting ready or the additional time and money I still need to spend. Everyone is advised to be able to sustain themselves for 72 hours without aid according to FEMA and the Red Cross, and my personal goal was for three weeks for my entire family.

None of my supplies are perishable, and in the uncertain times we are living in, there is a great deal of peace of mine in being prepared. Frankly, with the generator and lumber, I have spent close to $ 5K in materials todate and I am not quite complete. If I am lucky I will never need or use them, but just in case, I am ready. Sure, I would enjoy spending the money on the big screen tv I don't have or the killer computer system that I don't have, but neither one helps me take care of the family if disaester strikes. Its like my flood insurance, I have never been flooded, but the peace of mind of having it is awesome, especailly during one of our 10 inch rain storms.

The statistics that I have heard on how few people in the gulf coast area that have made any storm preperations is utterly frightening. No goverment has the ability to instantly help millions of people suddenly in need. And that could occur tomorrow by storm, terrorist attack, power grid failure, or just an act of God. Katrina and Rita taught me that 72 hours of survival preparations is minimun entry level in the game of life, and losing is not a viable option as a husband and father.