I think the first rule of survival is "Be Observant: Notice What's Going On All Around You." Anyone who was obeying that rule is now alive and healthy somewhere in Texas, Arkansas or Oklahoma. With a very few exceptions, the individuals who stayed in the path of the hurricane were victims of a nannystate mentality who couldn't believe that, when the chips were really and truly down, Nanny would hike up her skirts, split and leave them stranded for a few days with no one to rely on but themselves. Other victims, such as those who live in Baton Rouge, simply couldn't believe that a tidal wave of refugees would deprive them of their access to goods and services. Y2K was good practice, education and training for those willing to learn from it With winter coming, hordes of refugees on the roads, and several important aspects of the economy in flux, it's a good thing to stay alert and be prepared.