Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene

Less than a month ago, Hurricane Irene, one of the largest recorded storms in United States history, lashed the coasts of fifteen different states and caused about $15 billion in damage. Evacuation orders were issued for several cities and regions across the country, notable among them New York City and Long Island, which were believed to be the locations that would bear the brunt of Irene’s wrath.  Anxiety had grown so high that even President Obama issued a federal evacuation order for New York and ominously warned the nation that Hurricane Irene held the potential to be a “historic” storm. While the hurricane was already designated as the type bearing the least danger, with a “Category 1” rating as it barreled south from North Carolina, fears of a repeat of the indecision that came to characterize the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 no doubt influenced city, state, and federal officials to prevent any and all disasters that may befall the population.

370,000 people were ordered to evacuate from the New York City and Long Island areas by city Mayor Bloomberg. Leaflets with hurricane survival tips were distributed among people in outlying areas, and electricity was shut off. By the time the evacuations were in full effect on August 26, even the iconic Times Square had been emptied of its usual hubbub, an eerie scene for those who are familiar with what is one of the liveliest urban districts on the planet. Hurricane Irene had proven that mankind was still no match for the forces of Mother Nature.

New York City officials advised residents to pull all furniture, flower pots, and everything else not tied down outside their homes inside in order to minimize the risk of flying wood, steel, and clay causing damage. In addition, residents were advised to communicate via text messaging in order to maximize the effectiveness of their communication efforts. Text messaging does not clog up reception towers the way phone calls do, so they are much more likely to be received. Residents promptly emptied store shelves of food and bottled water in order to survive what might have been a true disaster, as had been warned by state and federal officials.

Fortunately, minimal damage was done when the storm finally arrived to the shores of New York City. The Hudson River flooded, and some property damage was recorded, but there had been no loss of life as a result of the storm. The impending doom facing New York never materialized, and the evacuation probably was not even necessary, but I feel that most people would agree that it is always better to be safe than sorry.