Time to prepare for this hurricane season

By Lisa Sulka CONTRIBUTOR

The last real scare of a hurricane happened in 2016, when we experienced Hurricane Matthew in October. Since then, we have seen thousands of residents replaced with new ones. So, it is important to remind all of us that this is the time to prepare for the hurricane season.

• Make sure to have at least a twoweek supply of prescription medications.

• Make sure to have a spare pair of glasses, cane, crutches, or any other assistance device.

• Make sure to have flashlights, portable radios, and plenty of batteries.

• Make sure to have at least $200 in cash, in small bill denominations.

• Make sure to have all pet supplies and medications, along with any vaccination records.

• Make sure to have a first aid kit for minor injuries.

• Make sure to fill all your gas tanks and any gas cans.

In the case of an impending storm:

• Check reliable, local news sources. Evacuate if an order is given by the Governor.

• Both the County and the Town will coordinate on getting info out quickly. The Town will share updates on all social media and will also provide a Spanish translation.

After a storm:

• Do not rush to get back home. Wait until the area has been declared safe by first responders.

• Beware of detours, road closures, and flooding.

When you return home:

Lindsay Perry

John Riolo

Dean Rowland

Gwyneth J. Saunders

Steve Scudder

Michele Steif

Larry Stoller

Lisa Sulka

Chris Thompson

Mark F. Winn

Tim Wood

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Claudia Chapman 814-434-3665

Mike Garza 804-928-2151

Mary Pat Gifford 912-414-7122

VISIT: BlufftonSun.com

For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax)

Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910

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Hurricane season officially began June 1. The Town of Bluffton wants to remind everybody that preparation is the key to making it through any impending storm with the best possible outcome. Here are some tips to help.

Before the storm:

• Make sure all personal information, contact information, medical information, and important documents (insurance policies, bank accounts, Social Security cards, certificates of birth, death, and/or marriage, pet records, and wills) are up to date and in a secure location.

• Make sure to test your generator.

• Make sure to keep a paper copy of all important phone numbers.

• Make sure to take a home inventory of all valuables, either on paper or by taking a video while doing a walk-thru of your home.

• Make sure you have a place to stay when you evacuate and make sure you have a backup plan in case plans change due to the storm.

• Make sure when you evacuate, power is turned off to your house at the breaker, and gas and water lines are turned off at the main valve.

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

“Positivity” is defined as a state of being positive while pessimistic is a tendency to expect the worse outcome.

The author of a recent Wall Street Journal opinion article on positivity admitted to being a pessimistic, sarcastic cynic, prone to negative prognostications and inaccuracies, inferring that this condition is permeating our society while challenging herself to impose an attempt to “manifest optimism in her daily life.”

How about you? Are you a doubting Thomas? Is your glass half empty? Positivity research psychologist Michelle Gielan stated, “You can push your brain to see the world differently but you can’t will yourself to be happy.”

Here are a few suggestions for helping us enjoy a more positive, fruitful and happy experience in our lives:

• Write down three good things that happen today.

• Send a positive note or call someone.

• Use a “power lead,” meaning start conversations with something good rather than a gripe.

• In conversations, put a smile in your voice! Example: “I’m excited for …” or “I’m looking forward to …”

• Assess the damage to your home and property.

• Check electric, gas and water connections to your home.

• Take pictures or video of any damage.

• Use generators outdoors only, and away from windows.

We always want to prepare for the worst but hope for the best, and we are prepared if we do see storms this season.

• Display trust and confidence in others, putting a positive spin on some common negative statements, such as, “The report could be better” rather than “The report is terrible.”

Lowcountry neighbors, in a world that permeates negativity, we owe it to ourselves and to our acquaintances to apply positivity to our lives. It’s contagious! Life is good!