By MELISSA PEACOCK

Tropical Storm Isidore did not pack the punch that forecasters first predicted. Daily forecasts changed the storm hour by hour from a potential 3 or 4 category hurricane to a merely a tropical storm. Still, many Louisiana residents did not take any chances. Lines were long at gas pumps and in grocery stores throughout the River Parishes as residents braced for what was a relatively mild storm.

I have heard many over the last 48 hours recant earlier predictions that this storm was, in fact, going to cause major devastation to Louisiana. These same individuals that were packing up sports utility vehicles for a quick evacuation, pulling loaf after loaf of bread off the shelf and hammering sheets of plywood across windows are now saying, “Boy, do I feel silly.”

But being cautious and being silly are two completely different things. Caution is exercised in extraordinary circumstances, when a threat is made against life or property. Isidore made that threat and, in some cases, carried it through. It would have been silly not to prepare.

Despite precautions, homes and property were damaged when the storm blew through, dropping well over 10 inches of rain in the area. But damage to residential communities, to lives and to property could have been greater.

Yes, the River Parishes have drainage problems that need to be addressed by local and federal governments. Yes, some mistakes were made by understaffed emergency response crews. But overall, parish officials and emergency response teams were well prepared for the rain.

Departments of Emergency Preparedness throughout the three parishes worked to secure flood gates, to make preparations for emergency shelters, to provide sandbags to residents and businesses. Law enforcement agencies went on alert status before the storm hit, arming officers with full gas tanks, flashlights, raincoats and flares. School administrators made quick decisions concerning school children, canceling classes before the storm system moved into the parishes.

Emergency Preparedness, Civil Defense, the American Red Cross – too many departments, organizations and leaders to mention – worked to prepare for the storm before it hit. That makes me feel a lot more secure about the future storms, floods and hurricanes that the area is sure to see.

Now we know that we can prepare at short notice for big storms and that the preparation really does help. The next step, to fix the problems that have existed in St. John, St. Charles and St. James parishes for ages, problems without a quick solution.

We have turned a blind eye to drainage systems that are not up to code. We have allowed some drainage ditches, culverts and canals to become overgrown. Heavy tree limbs hang over some houses and electric poles. Some areas prone to flooding have gone without pumps. These are the problems that can not be fixed when the forecaster says, “In three days we will see a tropical storm or hurricane.” These preparations must be made well in advance, long before hurricane season begins.

Preparations made before Isidore hit the River Parishes prevented further storm damage. They could not, however, prevent flooding in some parts of the parishes. Projects to fix drainage systems could. Yes, those projects are expensive.

But just imagine the lives and the property that could be saved. It is worth the investment.

MELISSA PEACOCK is a staff reporter. She may be contacted at 985-652-9545 or lobnews@bellsouth.net.