September 15, 2004

This Morning (530 am CST) as I was leaving to go to work as normal. As I approach Interstate 10 I notice very high traffic flow west bound. As I topped the overpass I looked eastbound and could see only 2 sets of tail lights, looked westbound and it looked like a funeral procession. And naturally I had to go westbound. It wasn't quite bumper to bumper, so I decided to get on. Within 2 miles or so I quickly realize traffic was getting closer to bumper to bumper up ahead. Being in a SUV, I have on several occasions in the past had to cross the median onto the service (access) road to avoid a major accident up ahead on the Interstate. But traffic was flowing, so I figure I would get off on the next exit about 1 mile ahead. And I did, but knowing ahead of time that the overpass was "out" I just took the service road to the next town (Iowa, La.). As I approach the intersection there where both an Howard Johnson Hotel and a Luv's Truck Stop is located, I was amazed at the vehicles in the parking lot for both. It looked like a "used car" lot. In the parking lot of Luv's alone, there was no less than 200 vehicles. People was parked on the service road walking to Luv's. I figure most of the people are coming from the New Orleans area. Based on a lot of Louisiana license plate, (ole' cop thing I guess).

I know we talk a lot about buggin' out................but until you see the volume of traffic, you really have no idea. I worked in Law Enforcement in this same area for about 10 years, and never seen this kind of "flowing" traffic. Other than major accidents on I-10 with traffic backed up, this was a first for me. It made me think of one of your favorite old time phrases, "You want to be where everyone else ISN'T". I can only imagine if this was a city or 2 getting nuked. That would make things 10, maybe 100 times worst. And needless to say traffic would come to a stand still. It goes back to knowing your bug-out route, and knowing it well. And having a back up plan/route. In the recent months I have seen so much practical use for being prepared, using it in everyday life. Much less when it will REALLY count. Hurricanes in this area are always good preparedness events. But as with most people, they wait until the last minute. I would highly stress not to "jump the gun", but I would be closer to "jumping the gun", then being stuck in place. You can always go home if you jumped the gun. I really feel we are so close to using these preps. Finalize your plans as soon as you can. Figure out what you're short on, etc. I've pasted my September 1st deadline, and feel some much more relaxed knowing my preparedness level. Working on setting my next deadline date and the goals for this time frame. That's the only way you can get it done.

I would highly suggest to everyone, if you haven't traveled the actually route to where you may have leave to. Travel it soon, you never know when a bridge may be out/etc.

Name withheld