Hurricane Katrina.

     That’s what we all were thinking last week while we prepared for whatever Isaac decided to bring us.

     Since I write my columns by Wednesday of each week, I don’t know what kind of damage Isaac brought to the area. I’m hoping for just rain and a little wind, although The Weather Channel predictions say worst.

     One thing I can say, I think we are all better prepared for him, from what I saw at our local stores.

     In the recesses of my mind, I kept thinking back to seven years ago when Katrina moved through our area. Like many of you, I waited until the very last second to do any preparations, thinking it wasn’t going to be that bad. I didn’t do that this time. I’m not taking any chances.

     I was up before 7 on Monday morning and out to our local Walmart looking for basic supplies. I had watched The Weather Channel and Facebook Sunday evening, and I noticed that many people were getting a really big head start on their preparations.

     On my early morning trip, I found there was no milk, very little water, no flashlights, no batteries and the shelves containing all types of canned meat were getting bare. By Monday afternoon, I think most of the shelves were empty. This wasn’t just at Walmart, but at most of our grocery stores.

     I also filled my car up with gas, something I didn’t do seven years ago. After witnessing the long lines and several-hour wait times for fuel, I wasn’t going to be caught unaware again.

     Our fellow Lincoln Countians were thinking the same thing. Many of the service stations and convenience stores were out of regular gas by Monday night and awaiting new fuel supplies early Tuesday morning.

     After Katrina, my street went without power for five days, a short time depending on who you ask. My husband Dennis and I searched high and low for a generator during that time, but everywhere we went was sold out.

     Several weeks later, we went out and found a generator. We were determined we weren’t going without some type of electricity or air conditioning again.

     Our generator is now 7 years old, and we have yet to use it for an emergency. Dennis gets it out about once a year and runs a tank of gas through it, just to make sure it is in working order.

     I’d rather be prepared than not.

     One funny note during this storm was when The Weather Channel said that Isaac would most likely hit the “land mass” between New Orleans and Mobile. Well, that “land mass” happens to be called Mississippi.

     Several people jumped right on that booboo. Even Fox News called out The Weather Channel for calling Mississippi a “land mass.” I’ve noticed since then their meteorologists have taken care to call Mississippi by its proper name.

     I’m hoping Isaac travels through our area very fast and doesn’t leave much if any destruction in its path.

     I’m borrowing a short prayer from my friend Josh Wilson, who wrote on Facebook, “Lord, please don’t let this hurricane hit us too hard or let the power go out. I am too fat to be without air conditioning. Amen.” I’ve been saying this prayer over and over since last Sunday.

     Here’s hoping your week was uneventful.

     And how was your week?

     Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILY LEADER at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at tbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602.