Katrina, Now Gustav Looming - Are You Any Better Prepared? (New Orleans: to buy, live in)

[ZaraGreen]

We were all affected by Hurricane Katrina whether you were in New Orleans when she struck, or not.

I think it's important that we find gratitude in the midst of every storm, actual and metaphorical, because it really sets the stage for how we'll come out mentally and emotionally; scarred or refined.

Just wanted to share what I'm grateful for today...

This being the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking New Orleans, my home, creating ripple effects that continue today, and with "Gustav" now looming, I am grateful for the understanding that in every experience if I'll just flow with it and not get stuck on it, I can have peace through it and still enjoy life

I can imagine that many of you are a little uneasy with the threat of another hurricane, but in the face of it may I dare ask the question...what life lessons did you learn through Katrina that has you better prepared for Gustav?

Katrina grew me up, ya'll

Lovingly!
~Zara

[Bluesmama]

This is an excellent thread. Good idea.

I do not live in New Orleans, but I sure learned through others misfortunes. We here in the northwest may not suffer the volume of disasters as in other places, but the possibility ~ and probability ~ is very much alive and well.

Actually, I have always been a bit fanatical about disaster preparedness. For a long time I've kept bulk amounts of certain foods, and we're well stocked on a lot of hardware (lanterns, etc.). I do not know where this comes from. My mother was a bit of a hoarder when it came to food, and I always assumed it was something from her time in The Depression. I have an awesome list of items on the list. However, "bulk" and emergency kits are two different types of preparedness, and are equally important.

But Katrina taught me even more. This winter I purchased a couple of big plastic bins to make a couple of emergency "kits", along with a durable pull-wagon that we use for festivals. These kits hold foods that will keep all kinds of aids and supplies. I'm going to buy some extra clothes and have them "shrink-wrapped" (Food-saver) to throw in and keep dry. We even have an inflatable boat in case of flooding.

I think everyone in N.O. who owns a house, or has space for it, should own an inflatable boat. And water and bleach and supplies and kits should all be kept in plastic bins in the TOP floor where they can be reached in case of floods.

I love New Orleans.

[Sam I Am]

MODERATOR: Folks, let's put all info on preparedness and news in the sticky thread at the top of the Louisiana page, please...too many threads makes it very confusing. Thanks...Sam