PrintA Colonial Acres family endured a house-crushing windstorm this summer, a relatively short time after they were driven out of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina.
They were glad to see the six-year anniversary of Hurricane Elvis and the four-year anniversary of Katrina pass this year, but the lessons learned by Cathy James and Eddie Gowens in dealing with disasters might be useful in helping others in the future.
The couple lived in Pascagoula, Miss., just a block from the beach in August 2005, when Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast. Their house and nearly all their belongings were washed out to sea, but the family was safe 40 miles inland in a high school in Hurley, Miss. That was only seven months after Gowans was diagnosed with lung cancer.
"Katrina brought us back to Memphis and to a rented house on New Castle," James said.
On June 12, that house in East Memphis was destroyed, too.
"Eddie was getting ready to start up the grill and we could both see how bad the skies were looking. We had a large 2007 truck, and I said, 'Eddie, you need to put your truck under the carport so if any limbs fall off of this big oak tree it won't hurt the truck.' I was thinking mainly of the cost of the vehicle's deductible."
"He moved the truck into the carport just enough to leave enough room between the front of the truck and the front door to light the grill."
"We got our dog inside and then the tree started moving toward the house," she said. "It never did snap in two, but it was uprooting out of the ground. We were blown back by the winds into the door. The tree then fell on our house. "
"Thank God that the big truck was moved in time and took a lot of the weight of that 110-year-old oak," she said. "The ceiling fell in on us and fell on the back door, the front door and then came into the bedroom."
Neighbors soon pitched to help the family, offering an unoccupied rental house, a TV, living room couch and other items.
"We are blessed to still be here and to have such great neighbors," James said.
After all of these episodes, she has some advice for homeowners before disaster hits.
"If you have large trees, keep them pruned. This tree was so top-heavy. We had had some limbs fall before. Pay attention to how big trees are weighted and take a look at how they lean."
The couple also advocate having an emergency exit plan, emergency first-aid kits, food, water and flashlights.
"Have your medications in one place so you can get to them," she advised. "After Katrina, I was prepared with that part. At least have an overnight bag packed before bad weather hits, and watch the weather."
Knowing your neighbors well also is central. "Not only know their names, but their needs and their phone numbers."
In an emergency incident of whatever kind, realize it may take a long time for emergency services to arrive, because they are not only inundated with calls, but might be blocked by road obstructions, she said.
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ADVANCE PREPARATION
Residents across the city have become better attuned to coping with weather and natural disasters. This summer's freak end-of-the-day tornado that crashed through Cordova is a recent example of how quickly trouble can happen.
Eric Elam, director of operations with the Greater Memphis Chamber, said the chamber emphasizes the value of family preparedness to its staff members.
"Everyone at the office has an emergency kit at their desk. At our house, we have a storm shelter stocked with supplies - food, water and medical items. We also have a family plan that includes making arrangements with out-of-state contacts."
For instance, in the event of a disaster, the plan provides for a designated relative to pick up the children and meet at a certain location if the family is not able to reach each other by phone. The out-of-state contact serves a go between in checking on certain persons.
"I have been told by several authorities that it is easier to call out of state than around the corner in a major event, because everyone locally will be on the phone at the same time," Elam said.
Trond Peersen, who used to live in Memphis and visits here regularly, has another suggestion. "I still tell people about placing a gallon of water in the freezer for use in the fridge during a loss of power to preserve the food. I learned that in Memphis 15 years ago."
Janet Windsor Southall serves as president of the Sea Isle Park Neighborhood Association. She advocates planning an emergency box in a footlocker.
"We've used it to demonstrate preparedness at Scout and neighborhood meetings," Southall said. "It does not have food or water in it, just key supplies for hygiene, shelter, fire and first aid. We also have a full camping kit with a tent, sleeping bags and cook kit."
Her foot locker contains more than one would imagine, for instance: folding camp shovel, powdered lime in a quart paint can, toilet paper, hand sanitizer gel, toothbrushes and paste, water treatment tablets and two one-gallon, collapsible water containers. The "shelter" goods include a tarp, rope, tent pegs, a multi-function tool, rain ponchos, mylar emergency blankets and knit caps. The cooking equipment includes matches, fire starters, a hatchet and folding saw.
There might be first-aid needs, so a full kit includes aspirin and Tylenol, bandages and duct tape.
"This particular emergency kit does not have the food or water recommended by authorities, but it fits in a standard footlocker and would set up a rudimentary campsite and provide some comforts immediately," Southall said. "We have a camping kit that contains many more helpful items for a more extended emergency."
The Emergency Management Agency recommends having a family disaster plan that involves locating safe rooms in the house, determining safe routes and locations to meet other family members and checking insurance coverage, and stocking non-perishable food items. Battery-powered radios are a must.
Have a plan for pets. Make sure they have their paperwork and an accessible carrier cage, leash and collar, along with pet food for several days.
- David McDonald Yawn
