Outside the Eye of the Storm

Top Five Things Learned from Weathering a Cat 4…Cat 2…Cat 1…tropical storm depression:

We in Charlotte were in the outer edges of the grasp of Hurricane Florence last weekend. In my neighborhood, the effects were comparatively minimal. Some trees lost sizable branches, it rained for two days, and there were leaves—lots of leaves—in our yards and on our streets. Here are the top five things I hope I remember when the next storm comes in:

1. Prepare. On Monday when I stopped for gas at my usual uncrowded place, all of the pumps were taken and some of the customers were filling up their vehicles and extra gas cans. On Tuesday, there was a shortage of cases of water. Were some people more zealous than I? Yes. But I say prepare, even if it means over-preparing. Even if people make snide comments as you checkout with five loaves of bread, a double-pack of Captain Crunch, and AA, AAA, C and D batteries. You just might need some of that stuff. If you don’t, someone else can use it. In my area, relief organizations are collecting water, cleaning supplies, pet food, batteries, blankets, canned goods, etc. . . for those in areas that Flo didn’t spare. In the Charlotte/Concord area, here’s one place you can take that extra fruit of your preparedness: Concord Mills Guest Service Desk or Bass Pro Shops, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. through September 24.

2. Relax. There are channels other than weather channels. The predictions grew more dire the more time Flo took to hit . . . and she took her time. Watching all of that angst and worst-case scenarios could have pushed us to despair. So, we watched other things and, sometimes (gasp) turned the TV completely off. There are buttons on our remote control for that. Maybe you have some too.

3. Open your doors. We did have some family from Charleston who accepted the Evacuee Special we offered. (That’s one bed, one couch, fresh towels, but fend for yourself in the kitchen.) They arrived on Tuesday afternoon. I was so glad they came. Too much time had passed since we sat with them on the deck of the Folly Beach house enjoying the breezes from the same Atlantic Ocean that was now tempest tossed. We had a lot of great fellowship time, and some precious soul-sharing moments, in the unplanned days we spent together.

4. Prioritize. Most things can be put on hold, but some things are worth getting soaking wet for. Many churches in our area canceled their Sunday morning services. Not mine. Plans were in place to honor our senior pastor who is stepping down from his role after founding the church twenty-seven years ago. (He would like me to stress: not retiring!) The place was packed. Everyone who came out that day, really wanted to be there for him. Otherwise, it was a perfect day to roll over and hit the snooze button. I’m sure that Pastor Terry and his wife, Phyllis, were touched by the number of people who braved the storm to show their love.

5. Give. Give. Give. Give. Give your money to trusted organizations that deal with disaster relief. Give your stuff . . . your good stuff, not just the junk you don’t want anymore. Give your encouragement to those who are helping by posting the good news on social media instead of the negative. There are plenty of bozos to criticize like weather reporters who mime walk against the howling winds while others stroll casually in the background or looters or people who try to bring politics into calamity. There are plenty more who are doing the right thing like José Andres and his World Central Kitchen, the staff of La Casa Del Patron in Havelock NC who cooked in the gas-powered kitchen by the light of cell phones to feed their neighbors, tree service companies working for free, and volunteer rescuers of people and pets.

My city got off light this time. I know there are thousands of people who will be struggling to return to life as usual for years. There are others who will be grieving the loss of a loved one for the rest of their lives because of this hurricane. Recovery always continues long after national attention has been distracted by other immediate threats, scandals, and crises. When you think about Florence, or any of the horrendous natural disasters from years past, say a prayer for the survivors. And, after the amen, Google it and see if there are still needs you can meet with your money or your time. We are, after all, in this together.