It’s crazy how fast a storm can turn and how many best guesses meteorologists can make. Michigan-born, last week was my first time witnessing a storm of this kind when Hurricane Ian hit my new home of Florida. Snowstorms? I’ve seen dozens. But hurricanes? None. At first, the Category Four hurricane was supposed to hit one of the largest-growing cities in the United States, Tampa. Instead, it sucked all the water from Tampa Bay and turned south, with warnings going to Sarasota, then Venice … until it finally broke ashore at Sanibel Island/Fort Myers.
Luckily, everyone I know in Sarasota County is safe. However, many people lost their homes and cars due to heavy wind, falling trees and flooding.
Many streets near mine are still without power and water, and just 45 minutes south, Venice streets are flooded due to the overflow of the river.
It’s been almost a week since the storm hit. Thousands of people have traveled from all over to help with clean-up. Much appreciation goes out to those willing to go the distance to help those in need.
Gas stations are out of gasoline, ice and propane.
People are traveling hours to get the resources they need to survive.
I learned from my first hurricane experience that you can never be too prepared. I know every time something happens, you always wish you would have done something differently. But if I had to choose one thing, it would be to start eating all my perishable food so it didn’t go to waste. Here are some things I would do next time, before the storm comes:
- Own a generator powerful enough to keep my food cold and my house lit
- Store at least 10 gallons of gas in my shed for my car and generator
- Have a good-quality cooler, filled with ice, ready to use as backup
- Freeze all my perishable items so if the power goes out, it takes 24 hours before they start getting ruined
- Purchase at least one week’s worth of nonperishable foods; if you don’t use them, donate them or save them
- Stash my valuables somewhere safe away from areas that could flood
- Fill my car with gas
- Find a sturdy parking garage and park my car on the top covered floor where no flooding or trees could harm it
- Purchase a few good books to read
- Purchase comforting-smelling candles to give warmth and light
- Stock up on batteries for flashlights
- Have battery packs for cell phones
- Easy access to a saw and rake in case you get trapped in your driveway or home
My heart goes out to those who had greater losses than me,
and I hope they have access to family and good neighbors so they don’t have to go through this devastation alone.
— Christyn Pek, business development executive
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedFebruary 2024
Mar 1, 2024Down to Earth: Find Your Element for the Ultimate Customized Spa Experience at Chuan Spa
After a stressful pre-holiday season and a busy work schedule, there was no better time for a relaxing spa experience than during my recent trip to Pasadena with the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team. We headed to The Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the 20th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which meant a jam-packed trip, but I managed to carve a little time out of our busy schedule to visit Chuan Spa at the hotel.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Fukui: A Culture Hub in Rural Japan Worth the Detour
In many cases, less can be more in terms of what smaller cities and small-scale museums have to offer. This is true for Fukui Prefecture, located on the west coast of the main island and best known for its coastline, terrain and quiet towns. While major cities are awash with large-scale museums, bucolic Fukui Prefecture is worth a visit for its assemblage of institutions offering a deeper dive into Japanese life, history and culture.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Ennismore Unveils Flagship Hotel and Restaurant Openings in 2024
This year marks an exciting time for Ennismore, the world’s fastest growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company. With plans to open new properties and restaurants across the world, Ennismore shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
February 2024
Feb 26, 2024Unearth the Enduring Heritage and History of the Island Nation
Valletta, capital of Malta, was built to keep us out. The old city is protected by formidable limestone walls and crammed onto a peninsula flanked by two natural harbors.
Hôtel Norman Opens Near the Top of Champs Elysées
Daily
Feb 23, 2024Take a Peek Inside Regent “Seven Seas Grandeur”
Daily
Feb 22, 2024Daily
Feb 22, 2024Europe by Rail Never Felt So Luxe
Two of 2024’s top travel trends are sustainable travel and slow travel. Rocco Forte Hotel combined both with the Rocco Forte by Rail offer, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in multiple destinations while traveling scenic routes.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
Come Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas on a Trek in Uganda
Not a word was spoken as I settled into a cozy spot on the outdoor terrace just outside the main lodge at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda. The air was so still the ice in my single malt seemed to echo off the forest in the distance as it clanked against the glass. I sat among a handful of fellow adventurers, each sitting silently beneath the night sky for one collective goal. Moments earlier, we learned a troop of mountain gorillas had made their way down the mountain near our lodge, and we left our meals to instead sit in eager anticipation of hearing the guttural grunts of the primates below. The chills on my arms never left me that night, even as I made my way up a stone pathway to my personal banda (guestroom). Thankfully, sleep came quickly for me that night as I drifted into dreams of what my next day would bring.
ShareThis