It’s a familiar scenario.  It happens every year, often in mid to late August.  The news media hypes the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes when they’re days away.  I’ve heard from people who live in the Southeast say the media overdoes it.

            Yet every year we hear stories of how store shelves are emptied of batteries, flashlights, etc. not long before a hurricane strikes.  It’s predictable.

            My question is, Why?  Why do so many wait until what seems like the last minute to prepare and stock up on supplies that could help them survive?  Is it simply procrastination?  Denial?  A game of chicken?

            Could there be a reason the media lays it on so thick in the advent of a coming hurricane?  Sure, they can be condescending, but what does it take to motivate people in vulnerable areas to adequately prepare?  There’s no lack of appropriate prepping info, is there?

            I haven’t been through a hurricane, so anyone with insights is welcome to comment and attempt an answer or two.