I just don't understand storm prep.

Well another "Dud" of a storm has come and gone along the Gulf Coast. During the last few days, I have made some interesting observations. It seems as if the fear machine has reached max level in terms of hurricane preperation. I don't know if this is a product of Katrina or 911 or the media.

Every year there is a threat of a major storm. Even if there is not a Gustav or a Katrina, Mobile gets more than a dozen heavy rain storms and power outages. So for everyone who has lived here for more than 5 years, this is for you.

1. I dont get how Walmart can sell 10,000 size D batteries in 2 days. What happend to all the packs bought last year. Batteries last a long time. Are people throwing them away at the end of each storm season.

2. Where ever the batteries are going they must also be sending the gas cans. Each year the news shows some guy asking the kid at Lowes if he's got any gas cans left. You would think that by now everyone had a gas can.

3. Botteled water....Buy two 24 packs, put them in the garage and leave them there.

4. I saw people with three and four buggy loads of storm food. Are they preparing for a nuclear attack? In the worst scenario the lights go out for a week. Think of it as an easy way to drop a few pounds.

5. When there is no news to report then dont just make stuff.