This weekend, even as thousands of revelers descend on Lincoln County for the culmination of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta, our thoughts turn to the south, toward our fellow citizens in the Carolinas.
If you haven’t heard, South Carolina and a small portion of southeastern North Carolina were pounded by historic rainstorms that followed behind Hurricane Joaquin last week.
More than one source is calling the deluge a 1,000-year storm, as in, with luck, this kind of thing happens once in a thousand years.
As of this writing, it may be months before the final damage is known. The initial estimates top $1 billion. More than 18 dams have been breached, hundreds of miles of roads and dozens of bridges are damaged, tens of thousands of people are without electricity or running water, and as of this writing, 16 people are dead.
There but for the grace of God go we. Mainers are no strangers to foul weather, but we have been fortunate to have been spared nature’s worst in recent years.
As we look ahead to winter, now is as good a time as any to stock or restock the emergency kit. Batteries, bandages, and blankets; stock up on sundries, and remember to fill the car with gas and make a plan for the pets and to keep far-away loved ones up to date.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
This time it was South Carolina’s turn. Next time that could be us.
