News-Record.com

Wednesday's No. 2 editorial.

One down and at least three to go. But around here we need to keep a wary eye on No. 2.

Now that Hurricane Gustav is blowing itself out after dealing New Orleans a glancing blow, the Southeast is girding for Hanna, which likely will make landfall Friday anywhere from Jacksonville, Fla., to Cape Hatteras.

A key lesson learned from the Gulf Coast’s response to Gustav: It’s never too early for storm preparations. In contrast to the Katrina fiasco three years ago, local, state and federal officials started gearing up for the worst when the storm was days out at sea.

In North Carolina, Gov. Mike Easley assures contingency planning is well under way. Local and state officials, relief agencies and the National Guard already are busily mapping responses, should Hanna come calling.

Even if the state is spared a direct coastal hit, a storm making landfall to our south could have a major impact by dumping six inches of rain on the Piedmont. Coming on the heels of last week’s deluge, such copious amounts could cause flooding of low-lying areas and push rivers over their banks.

So it’s worth heeding the governor’s advice to prepare for any eventuality. He suggests an emergency kit containing bottled water, nonperishable food, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio and a three-day supply of medications.

Although not unscathed, New Orleans dodged a bullet. Yet praise will be short-lived unless there’s a safe and orderly return to the still-recovering city. If not, the thousands of residents who willingly left this time may balk when the next hurricane zeros in.

And there will be a next time. Ike and Josephine already lurk in the wings as a busier-than-average hurricane season unfolds.

The Katrina debacle made an indelible imprint that those responsible for the public’s safety must act decisively well in advance of a potential disaster. And, so far, that’s paying off.