Why Do We Have Hurricane Parties?

                                             photo by NASA
The Texas Gulf coast gets its share of hurricanes but this time it’s the East coast that’s bracing for Irene.  And many areas that are not used to preparing for these storms are finding themselves packing up to leave or else stocking batteries and bottled water and perhaps anticipating a hurricane party.
 

Hurricane Irene is spinning just a few miles off the eastern shore. Weather reports warn that damaging winds, torrential rains, storm surge and tornadoes are expected all along the Eastern seaboard over the next day or so.

Residents scurry in preparation.  Plywood is nailed over windows, lawn furniture is put away, boats are anchored, survival supplies are laid in, vehicles are fueled and valuables are packed in the event evacuation becomes necessary. Stores quickly sell out of candles, batteries, bread, canned goods, bottled water, and even beer. At the last minute, employees shut down business and go hunker down with family. By this time, everyone will be as ready as they're going to get. 

A hurricane is, for sure, a release from routine. It's a time of growing anticipation that something out of the ordinary is about to happen. It's a time for bracing against the elements, a time of survival. For some, the anticipation, the element of danger is exciting and, with businesses and schools shut down, it's the perfect excuse to celebrate--no work, no class, let's party! For others, a hurricane party can be a way to relieve the tension of uncertainty or to just pass the time. If power goes out, it may be no more than candlelight, board games and chips, or it can be rum "Hurricanes" and good conversation but it's always an atmosphere of camaraderie as friends weather the storm together.

Whether you evacuate or hunker down, it's a time to focus on something other than the hectic daily routine. It can be an opportunity to assess what's really of value in one's life, realizing it's not material things that can be replaced, but rather living things like family, friends, and pets. And perhaps, it's that realization that draws everyone together and, after all preparation has been made and there's nothing else to do, a party, while the fierce winds blow, is not a bad idea. But no matter how much fun the "survival mode" may seem, hurricanes remain one of the deadliest forces of nature and that fact should never be taken lightly.

If there’s any doubt as to your safety, by all means, take your family and pets and go to a safer place.  But if you decide it’s safe to stay, here are a few tips to remember when the hurricane's fury becomes imminent.

• Close all inside doors. Brace external doors.
• Hang a blanket over the window to block flying glass if windows break
• Stay away from windows.
• Stay inside to avoid falling trees, flying debris, and downed power lines.
• Stay alert. Intoxication is not a good idea. In the event conditions turn dangerous, everyone needs to be able to react quickly.
• Do not be fooled by the calm as the eye passes over. Winds will return soon from the opposite direction.
• When the storm is over, avoid walking outdoors or driving until roadways are clear of downed power lines, debris, and flood water.