The Risk And Management: Living On The Gulf Coast

Everyone living on the Gulf Coast understands the risks. Gulf Coast hurricanes are not a once in a lifetime event, they happen often, they are fairly predictable and everyone knows they will happen again. The real question is what can you do to prepare, manage what you know is coming and weather the storm.

There have been small storms, big storms, and about every twenty-two years the most severe hurricane that anyone may have seen. So while there is an ever-present danger of the storms, what can the people do to prepare? Hurricanes can destroy homes, or simply damage them, they can demolish entire cities, or touch just one property. From floods and wind, to fire and theft, you have to know the hazards for living on the Gulf Coast. You should be familiar with evacuation procedures, first aid support, and you need to insure your property is storm ready, sound construction and proper protection. There should be a community plan in place for coastal preparation and it is important that everyone in the household has read and prepared for the situation when it arises, because it will happen. Understand the difference between hurricane watches and hurricane warnings, that can impact how quickly you need to take action, and what actions need to be enacted. A hurricane watch means that conditions are a real threat within the next 48 hours and you need to be ready. A hurricane warning means that conditions are expected within the next 36 hours and you need to have your preparations ready, and evacuate if directed.

Living on the Gulf Coast is a choice, beautiful beaches, wonderful fun, great tourist industry, casinos, shopping, and great food. Like any choice, you have consequences, you have good and bad weather, and risks you face. Preparation is the only protection you have. So risk and management of that risk go hand in hand, but it is home and home is the heart of the Gulf Coast.