When Mother Nature Strikes

by Sylvia Wright, The Wright Scoop

Eco-chic, traditionally defined as ‘providing for the present without sacrificing the future’, is more than lifestyle choices. It includes acquiring a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of these choices.

A few years ago, USA Today newspaper printed an insert titled ‘Is there a safe place to live?’ Nation-wide escalating forms of climate change were depicted. Yet, although daily reminded of these eco-consequences, are you presently aware of the severity of increased weather cycles?

A margarine advertisement once announced Mother Nature’s displeasure for being fooled into thinking a product was real butter. In anger, she said, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” Waving her arms black clouds swirled, thunder bellowed and lightning slithered through the sky. I was reminded of this advertisement when I watched a more than 100-year old oak glow as if lighted and shake from its leaf tips to roots. Struck by lightening, bark peeled in strips, hung rope-like through out the tree and pieces were scattered for 50 or more feet.

Through this experience, I most certainly gained perspective of the effect of severe storms; but, if you heard thunder or saw lightening, what would you do? Would you run outside to retrieve trivial items; or, seek shelter?

If you are aware of a pending storm and inside, safety measures are to unplug appliances, avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance; and, because water is a conductor, don’t take a bath or shower, or run water for any other purpose. If you are outside boating or swimming, immediately get to land and find shelter. Limit exposure by seeking out a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. At the same time, make sure the place is not subject to flooding. The goal is to make your self as small a target as possible; so, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground because laying flat can make you a larger target.

 

According to meteorological experts at The National Weather Channel http://www.nws.noaa.gov/, the best ally for dealing with severe weather situations is to be informed, aware of evacuation plans, the location of shelters and keep a copy of area guidelines in an easily accessible place such as a phone book. It is also wise to be aware that lightning can occur when it’s not raining and the straight-line winds of a thunderstorm can exceed 100 mph, and are more damaging than the winds of most tornados.

As urban/suburban communities, we need to acquire a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of our life-style choices. Become aware that while weather cycles such as thunderstorms do provide optimal natural rain fall, these storms should be greeted with caution. If you hear distant thunder and think it harmless to run outside and retrieve trivial items, be warned it could be the last activity of your life. For it’s not only not nice to fool Mother Nature, it’s not wise to fool around with her either.

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Picture above – In the wake of severe storms, fallen trees litter the landscape.

Sylvia Hoehns Wright, recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, specializes in eco-landscape/garden strategies. For details, see web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or to acquire assistance, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (804) 672-6007.