Hurricane season is getting another early start. For the last five years, a named storm has developed in May, however, the official season begins June 1st. I am not surprised nor am I sure that the country is even paying attention to this phenomenon. What does concern me is do we have the proper supplies set aside if and when a storm hits the hurricane-prone states like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and the Carolinas?

The most common supplies that run out during a threat of a storm are water, milk, bread, non-perishable foods, hygiene products (toilet paper), and batteries. If the pandemic has already depleted some of the supplies, how do the citizens of the hurricane-prone states survive a major storm?

As the weatherman forecasts the current storm developing off the coast of central Florida, usually he has a sense of urgency and panic mode is common. It somehow is underscored by the pandemic and whether Florida can open fast enough to bring tourism back to profit levels. After two hours of watching local and national news, not a "by the way" segment or what to do if you are in the path of a named storm was discussed. What the news media presented is whether parents should send their children to summer camps and that restaurants across the nation are moving their tables and chairs outside, many on the streets.

I have a few doubts about this season's preparedness for an onslaught of storms by the current administration. No one has mentioned in all the meetings and all the Tweeting's of our White House residence that he has met with FEMA and are they up and ready to take on a category four or five storms?

Where will the citizens that need to seek shelter go? Is the famous "hunker down" the same as "shelter in place?" I know where I will go if a storm comes in my direction, but many don't think that far ahead or even notice the change in the weather until the storm is knocking on their door and then go into survival mode. These are probably the people who did not pay attention to the mention of the pandemic in the early months of January and February and are now wondering how they will make their rent next month.

Most of us, however, have hoarded a few extra rolls of toilet paper and grabbed a few cans of tuna while rushing through the grocery store. We have sheltered at home and kept our distance from friends and family members for the sake of our health as well as their own. We all know we can't go back to the way it was before the pandemic no matter how much many of the politicians wish we would.

Therefore, all those living in the hurricane-prone states and all those planning on traveling to one of the hurricane-prone states during this season; please think twice before making those reservations for a theme park or to visit a relative. We have enough supplies down here to keep us going. The chances of another state donating supplies during a pandemic are surely not possible. For the rest of us crossing our fingers and hoping the predictions from the NOLA is overstated, make sure to get your supplies early and help your neighbor when you can. Stay safe and stay healthy.