Flood Relief

With all of the recent flooding in the mid-Tennessee region, I have been giving a lot of thought to natural disasters. Not in the Chicken Little "the sky is falling" sort of way, but really just to make sure that in case of an emergency, we are prepared. Natural disasters are not something I have ever planned for before. I am not really sure why, except for the excuse that life gets in the way. But, as the saying goes, you just NEVER KNOW. Why not be prepared? Now my preparedness tool kits are stashed all over the house.

There is a tornado kit tucked away under the bathroom sink in our guest bath. The last time we had immanent tornado threats I had to sit in that bathroom with Addie and the three dogs. I lasted about 20 minutes. In that time I gave serious consideration as to what would be a more gruesome way to perish - death by dog breath or getting sucked up in a funnel cloud. I took my chances and opened the door. This reminds me I need to add face mask to that kit, just in case we are all stuck in the room together again.

We have a fire bag strategically placed and ready to go. Let's just hope the fire doesn't originate in the garage... then I'd be screwed.

Of course now we have a flood kit as well. That one I have up on the second floor. Still contemplating whether or not I am going to put an inflatable raft up there too. We'll see.

I'll end with one great little anecdote regarding the flood. On the news one night, the reporter was discussing the devastation and how many people had been displaced from their homes. In the corner of the screen you see an opossum standing at the swollen riverbank. Obviously this mama saw safety on the other side of this raging water. As ugly and nasty as those little creatures are, my mama gut cried out, "Don't do it! Not safe! Think of your children!" Next thing you know, her five little critters hop on her back and she dives in the water paddling with a strength only the good Lord could give her. All her little babies were straining their necks trying to stay as upright as possible. After what seemed like an eternity, that strong mommy opossum and her little ones were safe on the other side and they head on out.

Just like a mama to dive in unknown waters, facing the upstream current, all for her little creepy critters. I love it.