Theres a few things I knew and prepared for before the hurricane.
1. Always overprepare and expect the worst. I had lots of water, canned food, rice, batteries, and filled both cars up before the storm hit. The gas shortage was something I was expecting, but not as long or as bad its been out here. Can't find gas anywhere, and if you do its a 2+ hr wait.
2. Get the hell away from the water. Its horrible what has happened here to lots of people in my town. Houses have been completely washed away. My brother had fish swimming in his yard a day after the storm. Theres a reason why I live 2 miles from the bay.
3. Embrace the Second Amendment. So far I haven't needed my guns. But IMO whats going on around here is about two steps away from getting out of control. We've had looting nearby, the National Guard is patrolling the area.
As for what I've learned:
1. Don't rely on GAS! I stocked up on gas and propane before the storm. But there is just so much gas you can get your hands on. A generator won't do squat for you if you can't fill it. Another three days without electric and we would have been SOL.
2. Have a means of heating your house. Luckily we got heat back in the house just before it started to get cold. Plenty of people out here aren't so lucky. I know a few people here at work who still don't have power, it was 25 degrees last night! I'm looking into getting a woodburning stove.
