As I write this, there is quiet the storm in the Caribbean. Isaias.
Not sure where it’s going or how bad it might be. The computer models are all over the place.
Here’s the thing… 2020 has been an active hurricane season already. Not to mention that here in Florida the Coronavirus is still spreading fast.
Together, the repercussions of these two event happening at the same time could be huge.
Already, Florida is shutting down Covid testing sites until the storm passes.
What if storm evacuations are necessary? It’s tough enough to get people to leave their homes under normal circumstances. Can you imagine now? Who wants to go to a shelter with the threat of Coronavirus? I don’t. Wearing a mask constantly? Ugh.
I’m in a unique profession. During hurricanes, most people can leave for someplace safe. We news people head toward them.
In my case, I’m head to the studio for the duration of the storm. I’m old now. Too old to stand out in the wind and rain.
The last time we went through a hurricane threat, our building was full of people. All working twelve hour shifts. We were sleeping in offices all over this building. Now, our building is empty. Most are working from home.
But I’m still in the building. At the TV station. So if the storm comes, I’ll bring my blow up bed and my sleeping bag to work. It’s not a lot of fun, but it’s what I have to do.
If there is anything positive in all this, I think people are prepared with supplies. When the pandemic started, everyone hit the grocery store like a hurricane was coming. I’ll never forget that Saturday at Publix. It was crazy. I’m still stocked on the basics. So, at least I’m ahead of the game this year.
The only thing I need… Oreos. I can’t go into a hurricane without Oreos. It’s timing when to eat them that’s tough. You gotta time it just right. You can’t let them run out in the middle of the storm.
In my case, they usually run out before the thing even hits.
Let’s hope I don’t need them. But… I’m going to the store today anyway. For Oreos. Need me to pick up anything?