Page 100 - American Survival Guide - October 2017

‹ A tornado
touches down
in Oklahoma.

› Opposite,
top: One of the
bridges on the
road to Key
West from the
mainland. It’s
just two lanes,
and there
are no other
options for
driving away
from a threat
in the Keys.
Getting caught
here in a storm
could be life
threatening.

› Opposite,
bottom: In the
aftermath of
Hurricane
Sandy, a porch
that was torn
off a home lays
on the side of
the street.

HEED THE WARNINGS technology, meteorologists have the ability to track and forecast storms many days out;
Too often in situations such as these, people some with pretty good accuracy. This advantage often gives people plenty of time to
are their own worst enemies. Stories abound prepare and evacuate if needed, especially if they already have a plan in place.
about people sitting in bars while a hurricane Sadly, no matter what we do, there are still people who fail to heed the warnings. They
hits, wasting time that could have been spent decide to ride it out and hope for the best. To do so not only puts their lives in danger,
on preparation or escape—and impeding they are also endangering the lives of the men and women dedicated to saving those
good judgment with every sip. Sometimes, who aren’t responsible enough to save themselves.
it is someone who fails to prepare and then Hurricane Sandy is an excellent example of this: People in the danger zone were given
ventures out in the middle of a blizzard to get plenty of warning. Yet there was still significant loss of life. In addition, a large number of
some food or fill their gas tank. people still needed to be rescued—simply because they didn’t respond to the warnings
These actions are self-destructive, and there and prepare for what could happen.
is no need to be this way. With our modern While I was in Southern California, an earthquake hit somewhere in the Pacific,

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