Water, water everywhere...and yet so much land!
A cast net being used at Grand Isle, Louisiana German Coast Farmer's Market (read article
here)
Cafe au lait & beignets (read articles
1 or
2) Crescent City Farmer's Market (read article
here)
Carriage rides are part of the French Quarter Prepared foods & concerts are part of the
experience Covington Farmers Market (read article here)
Outdoors activities such as camping are Bonnebel boat launch on Lake Ponchartrain
favorites year round on the Gulf Coast.
Storm SeasonWhat is so unique about the Gulf Coast?
When compared to the other coasts of the United States, the Gulf waters are relatively warm. This means its much nicer to be in the water, as well as it means that there is a different "climate" for the flora and fauna flourishing in its balmy waters. It also means that when a tropical storm reaches the Gulf of Mexico, there is a much greater pool of energy to strengthen it, allowing storms such as Katrina to reach massive sizes.
Anytime a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, the residents of its coast begin to hold their breath, hoping that some other area will bear its wrath. Its not that we bear animosity towards the other areas--we simply don't want the storm to do its pounding in our neighborhoods! Even so, lumberyards and home improvement centers do a booming business both in front of a storm and on its heels, as residents board up windows, then begin putting things back together after the storm has passed.
Officially, storm season is from June 1st to November 30th, with the season peaking in August and September when the Gulf temperatures traditionally peak as well. Each area has its own evacuation protocols, which can involve everything from pets being evacuated to when contraflow on certain highways takes effect. Certain emergency and critical personnel are put into position for deployment post-storm by government officials and utility companies as well. Hospitals and medical facilities have their evacuation procedures as well, and little is functioning immediately prior or post storm, even if the actual storm does not cause much damage. Martial law, curfews, and other emergency measures are also often in effect during the duration of the storm and immediately following it to reduce criminal activity while most of the affected area has been vacated. It is NOT wise to do any random travelling just prior or just after a storm! Tourism isn't part of hurricane protocol!
For the most up-to-the-minute information regarding storms,
NOAA's hurricane website is your best source. Certain preparations need to be taken, even if you are not in the mandatory evacuation zone. Power, television, telephone (including cell), cable, and internet services may not be available. Gas lines may be compromised, resulting in shut offs. Fuel may not be available for days or even weeks after a severe storm. Water supplies may also be unavailable as municipalities deal with broken mains, contaminated water supplies, and lack of personnel & power. Be prepared!
Here are some websites that may be of interest:
Corpus Christi State of TexasTexas Department of Public SafetyTexas Department of TransportationLouisiana Department of Homeland Security & Emergency PreparednessLouisiana Hurricane ResourcesCity of New OrleansJefferson ParishMississippi Department of HealthMississippi Emergency Management AgencyFlorida DisasterPinellas County Emergency Management There are many more sites with pertinent information. To find one close to you, put your county, city, parish, or state name followed by "hurricane preparedness" or "hurricane evacuation" in the search field for a search engine. Most sites will come up with one or the other, if not both. Much of the information is the same for all areas, the biggest differences will be in curfews, evacuation routes & information, and post-hurricane command center locations.
Many people plan on "sticking it out." However, please think twice. Emergency personnel are not able to get to you in the event of an every day emergency, such as injury or health crisis (heart attack, stroke, etc.)
In addition, if your location becomes flooded, you are putting yourself at risk, along with any family members present with you because of your refusal to leave. Your presence also stretches limited resources post-storm if heavy damages are inflicted on an area, which means that critical personnel such as those who clear roads, restore power & telephone, and perform the other tasks needed to get a community up and running again cannot happen because someone has to check on YOU. All too often, they are recovering your body, or the bodies of your family. Take your pets (its too dangerous for them too!), load up your car, and evacuate when a mandatory evacuation is ordered! Leave the ice, water, and MRE's to those who had to remain behind due to their jobs.