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A hurricane party is any celebration that passes the time while waiting out a storm. Hurricane parties help everyone relax by bringing friends and family together to endure a stressful situation, and help conserve supplies by keeping everyone together in one location. The party is usually staged in a well-equipped home with abundant space and necessary emergency equipment such as a generator, hurricane shutters, and a portable television. Despite a reputation for heavy drinking and reckless behavior, hurricane parties are a unique facet of the disaster mentality of people who regularly persevere through dangerous storms.
A successful hurricane party keeps everyone occupied and free from stress or worry about the ongoing storm. Hurricanes last several hours, and power outages eliminate television, movies, video games, and other electronic entertainment. Board games and team competitions are perfect distractions for children and adults, and hurricane-themed drawing or charade challenges contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere. Shadow puppets are another creative activity that engages everyone’s mind and helps burn excess energy to stave off cabin fever. Classic games such as hide-the-thimble or blind man’s bluff are suitable for younger children while adults read, play cards, or share stories of past storms.
For the artistically inclined, designing hurricane survivor t-shirts or drawing satirical hurricane-oriented cartoons passes the time and creates souvenirs for partygoers. Extra plywood is a perfect canvas for a party mural that can be used as a protective covering during the next storm.
Many adults are tempted to drink and gamble during a hurricane. Excess alcohol should be avoided, however, because a hangover will impede cleanup efforts after the storm passes. To liven a friendly poker game, bet with cleanup chores instead of cash. While loud music can drown out the storm’s roar, stereos rapidly deplete batteries that are better used for flashlights or portable televisions to watch emergency news broadcasts.
No party is complete without refreshments, and comfort food is essential to relieve anxiety during a hurricane. While the electricity is flowing, it is wise to consume frozen and refrigerated foods; because once the power is interrupted the food will spoil within a few hours or a day, depending on its delicacy. Ice cream is an ideal party food because it spoils quickly and should be consumed first. After the power goes out, a variety of chips, cookies, and other snack foods reduce stress and encourage smiles. Coolers help keep foods cool for a few more hours, and as the ice melts it can be used for drinking water.
A party doesn’t reach hurricane intensity without serving signature hurricane cocktails. First, combine gin, rum, and other liqueurs with grenadine, a heavy, blood red pomegranate syrup used for sweetening and coloration. Mix in tropical juices such as orange, grapefruit, cranberry, raspberry, or pineapple and serve over crushed ice for an intense and delicious drink. Non-alcoholic hurricanes are prepared with just the juices and are delightful treats for children and adults alike. If possible, serve the drinks in hurricane glasses – tall, narrow glasses with exaggerated curves and flaring brims – for additional festive appeal.
No matter how alluring a hurricane party may be, experienced survivors know when the celebration must be abandoned for safer accommodations. Many hurricane deaths result from reckless, irresponsible behavior, and safety should always be a primary concern during severe storms. A party is far less festive with injuries to tend, but with proper precautions, creative activities, and abundant comfort food, the merriment can outlast even the most violent hurricane.
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