Rant #324: Earl's Well That Ends Well

Hurricane Earl is pushing up in the Atlantic, and word is that Friday might be a wild and wooly day in my neck of the woods on Long Island.

The hurricane isn't supposed to hit land, but even being off the coast could cause considerable difficulty for residents, travelers, vacationers, and those who have to go to work, like yours truly.

It is supposed to be extremely rainy and windy that day. No, not another Katrina, but plans are being formulated to move out anybody who is on the East End and might be in the most peril from such a weather disturbance.

Me, I am taking it in stride. I've been through such weather troubles before, and as long as you don't panic and do stupid things, you should be fine ... and again, this isn't supposed to be another Katrina, so what's to worry about?

A few years ago, my family and I were on vacation in Orlando, Florida, and a hurricane set down in Orlando proper, about 15 or 20 miles away from us. With the proper preparation--enough food, gas in the car, and batteries for various electrical appliances--we made it through with flying colors.

In fact, that morning, we went to a water park, and stayed until we were told that the park was closing early for the hurricane, which for the life of me, I can't think of the name of right now. Maybe Charley, but I just don't remember.

Anyway, I am not going to tell you it wasn't a bit scary and hairy. Driving home, we heard numerous announcements about the impending hurricane, and we saw long lines at food places and gas stations. But we had prepared early, so it wasn't that big a deal.

The management of our time share warned us about the storm, and told us we had to take in all the furniture on the patio so it wouldn't fly around.

When the storm hit Orlando, I remember we lost power and were in the dark for several hours. My son was young at the time, and I know he was scared, but I had a portable TV, and used that to monitor what was happening, because it was pitch black outside.

The next morning, we surveyed the damage. There were some trees uprooted, leaves all over the place, but happily, my car was not damaged at all.

We made it through!

And I am sure we will make it through Earl, too.