New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast remain in ruins today nearly two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought devastation to the area. The lessons learned from those storms may prove invaluable this summer, especially if forecasts for higher than normal hurricane activity turn out to be correct.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 75 percent chance that there will be increased storm activity this season.
Bill Proenza, director of the national hurricane center in Miami, told The Associated Press, "With expectations for an active season, it is critically important that people who live in East and Gulf coastal areas as well as the Caribbean be prepared."
There is a concern among some that the relative calm of last summer where there were no major storms along the lines of Katrina and Rita may lead people to take a more lackadaisical approach to preparation for this year.
That, experts say, could prove to be a mistake this year. The first storm, Andrea, formed well before the official June 1 start of the hurricane season.
Consumers, especially those who are not able to get out of the way of incoming storms, are urged to stock up on supplies such as bottled water, flashlights, batteries, candles, shelf-stable foods, first aid kits, backup generators and other items to help them ride out severe weather and its aftermath.
Discussion Questions: What lessons did retailers learn from two summers ago in terms of keeping their businesses up and running following the aftermath of a big storm? What should retailers be doing now to help consumers actively prepare for a busier than normal hurricane season?