Let’s hope S.C. ready for storms as hurricanes head our way

Preparation is the key.

That’s the message that needs to be sent over and over again.

Right how one storm, Hurricane Hanna, appears to be headed for South Carolina.

And two others are right behind it.

And we have a long time to go in the hurricane season.

Of course, it’s too early to tell exactly where or when Hanna might hit.

But it’s not too early to start getting ready.

Do you have fresh batteries? You need fresh water.

Remember if the power goes out to the water plant that serves your home then you can’t get fresh water.

Make sure your car’s gasoline tank is full because if the power goes out gasoline stations can’t operate.

Make sure you have some extra cash because ATM’s won’t work if the power is out.

Be sure your cell phones are charged.

But one thing we can’t emphasize enough is that when you watch predictions on where the hurricane might “hit” don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by paying attention to the “direct line.”

That can shift at the last minute, and a small movement of just 50 miles one way or the other can change things for your area dramatically.

Right now, the predictions are than unless there is a major change, we will be affected in the Pee Dee.

How much of course depends on where the storm comes ashore.

High winds, power outages, and possible tornadoes are all in the picture.

We hope that if the storm does hit the predictions are right in that it will move quickly and we won’t have as much flooding rain and other problems.

But let’s be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

If the order comes for people along the coast to evacuate, we hope everybody will leave.

Even though Hurricane Gustav didn’t result in major damage in New Orleans like Katrina, the preparation and the evacuations there helped as well.

Millions are still without power.

Flooding is still a problem in some areas.

Damage still will be in the billions of dollars.

Here, in South Carolina, we hope we have learned our lessons, as well.

If evacuations come, the roads will be packed. It will take a long time to get people out of harm’s way.

There will be problems.

We just hope that things won’t be as bad as they were during recent evacuations.

And we hope people in the Pee Dee realize that just because we aren’t on the coast the storm could have a major impact here.