8pm Thursday Update on Nate

The forecast from the National Hurricane Center focuses on their most likely track.

However, what will likely become Hurricane Nate could make landfall anywhere in area of concern. The map shows the positions of the eye of the storm. However, that is not the same as the time of arrival of the high winds. That map is below.

The earliest time of arrival of the high winds in New Orleans is 2pm Saturday.

So What Do I Do Now?

Here are my suggestions. Get them done immediately!

• Get prescriptions refilled now, especially if your doctor must approve the refill. 
• If you have a relative at home that requires electricity for life-assistance purposes, you will want to move he or she outside of the higher wind zone. 
• If you can get an electrician to install a generator, get it done. Do not try to install a generator yourself. 
• If you don't have a generator, get a power inverter or two. Radio Shack and similar stores sell them. They are a "poor man's generator" and will keep your cell phone, laptop, and similar items charged. Tell the person in the store what you want to run off it so you get one of the right size. Do not try to run the inverter for hours at a time as that is tough on your car's battery. Charge the (for example) cell phone and let the charge run all the way down, then use the inverter to recharge. 
• Keep your car's gas tank full. 
• If you evacuate, turn off your gas, water and electricity before you leave. 
• Fill a few gas cans (the type you would use for your mower) to have extra in the event of power failures. 
• Purchase extra food staples. Without power, stores will be closed. Things that require less preparation are better. Bottled water is especially important. Get a Coleman stove.
• Purchase extra batteries for your cell phone and other essential equipment. 
• If you need insulin or other medicine that must be kept chilled make plans now. 
• Consider what you would do if you were without electricity for a two weeks. If you have an invalid living with you that requires electricity, there will be areas that will be without for weeks. Be proactive. 
• If you live in a heavily wooded area, does someone in your vicinity have a gasoline-powered chain saw? Does it have fuel and a reasonably good chain/blade? Test it, now. 
• Get to an ATM. Without power, credit card readers and ATMs will not be working. In a disaster, cash is king.
• Addition: If you are in the high wind area, thoroughly photograph your home and possessions now. You will need it for insurance purposes. This includes trees, shrubs, etc. Then, if using a digital camera, upload to internet so it will be there after the storm in case the worse happens. 

Whether you evacuate or not, stockpile some good books, magazines, board games and keep a good attitude. Look at this as one of life's adventures.