As we all know, fall is finally here! While most of the U.S are, bringing out their fall decorations, plaid shirts and knee-high leather boots, the sunshine state is preparing for Hurricane Matthew. As of today, we are currently under a hurricane warning, Hurricane Matthew is currently moving across the Bahamas and is coming to the mainland.
If you grew up in South Florida, you already have this hurricane preparation list engraved in your head. If you’re new around here, make sure you have all these steps covered before the hurricane hits.
The possibility of a storm coming
You know that when this guy comes out in the news every 20 minutes, the storm is possibly heading your way. This is when mom and abuela start freaking out, a week in advance.
What you really need
When preparing for a hurricane, you need the essentials. Water, canned food to last you a few days, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and of course, putting up the shutters to keep your home safe.
What you end up buying
This is what you end up with, food to feed a football team for three months and water to last you the rest of the year. Don’t forget to buy grandma’s saint candles.
Water
Not only do the water prices go up to $6 for a gallon, but if you’re planning to buy them now, sorry to tell you it’s too late my friend.
No water? No problem
With the windows all covered up and coolers stocked up with food. It's okay, if you didn’t have a chance to stock up on water bottles, that's not a problem. If you come from family like mine, your uncle has you covered with the beer or liquor. There’s probably even a rack of wine for your wine lovers. Priorities first right?
Fill up your gas tank
Don’t forget to fill up your gas tank. You might need your car in case of an emergency, only thing is the line is probably going to be really long, but you got this.
No school
Best part about being under a hurricane warning is that school is canceled. So, if you didn’t study for that upcoming exam, the weather gods heard you.
Hurricane parties?
I don’t know about nowadays, but when I was in high school we use to have hurricane after parties. After the storm hit we had no electricity, but still managed to find someone who was crazy enough to have a hurricane after party.
Entertainment
Kids, if you haven’t used a handheld radio lately or ever, this is the time. Since you do not have electricity, your grandma’s battery powered 10-year old radio is the only thing that will entertain you. Also, the domino’s, monopoly and card games are the only thing that will keep you from going insane.
Family time
All jokes aside,the best thing I think you can get out of this storm, is that you get to spend time with your family. When a natural disaster affects your community, you see everyone come together and help each other, that's a beautiful thing. I think sometimes we are so caught up in our fast-paced lives that moments like these are ones to take in. This is a good time to disconnect from all your social media and spend time with your loved ones.
