Aug. 29 marks 21 years since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005. I had gone to New Orleans expecting a fun weekend with my parents. Instead, I ended up trapped inside a hotel during one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history.
At the time, I had no idea the experience would change the way I prepare for emergencies for the rest of my life. Katrina remains the costliest hurricane in U.S. history and one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
For me, though, the story began before the flooding. As Katrina grew stronger in the Gulf, I realized we needed to get out of New Orleans. I got my parents onto what I remember as the last flight out. My dad even offered me his ticket because I still had no way out. I told him to get on the plane. Then I headed to a rental car company. That plan fell apart fast.
There were about a hundred people there trying to do exactly what I was trying to do. So I eventually returned to the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans after being told it was extremely well-prepared for a hurricane. I was told it had upgraded windows, generator power and plenty of food. I should not have gone back.
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