En route to Gulfport Mississippi from Hilton Head (via Thomasville Georgia), I was listening to a classic rock station when the emergency broadcast signal interrupted the song I was enjoying. What was more disconcerting than the fact that one of my favourite songs of all time was ruined was the fact that they were broadcasting severe weather conditions, including Tornado warnings. Needless to say, I was a bit disheveled.
But for me, the warning became a bit more of an issue. You see, the warning from the National Weather Service was based on the counties in Florida it was affecting. No details about geographical landmarks (i.e. cities/towns), just the counties. The problem is, I had no idea what county I was in, nor whether or not I was headed in the direction of the affected area. Even more sadly was the fact that the cashier at the gas station I stopped at to inquire about the warning had no idea where Franklin county was either.
Now if you’re a native Floridian, you more than likely know what county you live in. In fact, you likely know the immediate surrounding counties as well. I suppose then, that the fact that neither your county nor any of the surrounding counties were mentioned means that you have nothing to worry about. But what about us poor suckers out on the highways and byways, that haven’t a clue? I looked around at the other vehicles on I-10 at the time and by quick estimation I calculate that at any given time on Florida interstates, approximately 1 in 5 vehicles are from out of state (let alone out of country like me).
Bottom line, apparently the message to “get inside a safe building immediately” was only intended for native Floridians and furthermore, only those who had an inkling of geographical knowledge. The rest of us, I suppose, are to take the airline approach. You know, tuck your head between your knees and pray!
