That was back in September 1995. Kelly Jo Bailey, disaster program manager for the local American Red Cross, was living in Bay County at the time of the fatal and historic Category 4 hurricane. She said the community was changed in an instant of the storm making landfall.
"It brings the best and worst out of people," she said. "You can have people stealing or looting, but you also have neighbors helping neighbors."
Bailey, along with several volunteers and other emergency response agencies, were sharing information and assistance Saturday during Hurricane Preparedness Day at the Panama City Mall, 2150 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. With hurricane season starting June 1, officials were urging passers-by in the mall to have supplies on hand and make a plan before a serious storm rolls through.
"It's not if, but when," Bailey said. "Don't count on other people to take care of you. There're only so many resources immediately after a storm and only so many emergency responders."
One agency that provides assistance after hurricanes is the local chapter of the Salvation Army. Tom Williams, retired disaster services coordinator, was handing out free flashlights and other supplies. He said the Salvation Army food truck can provide food for 3,000 people at a time. That, however, is a secondary service to the emotional and spiritual care they also offer in the wake of a major storm.
"That's the biggest thing you can do," Williams said. "Because you have people who have lost everything. Being a religious organization, that's what we do."
The rule of thumb in hurricane preparedness is to be prepared to go without power or other services for at least three days if a person decides not to evacuate. The Red Cross breaks down their advice into three tips: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.
"Immediately after a storm hits, resources aren't going to just start popping back up," Bailey said. "At least have food and water for three or four days."
One gallon of water per person per day, food, a battery-powered radio and first aid kit are among the essentials. You also should have a plan in place for different categories of hurricanes, which include where to evacuate and the nearest shelter. There are a few different ways to stay informed following a hurricane. Local media and NOAA radio stations provide information, and the Bay County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) also sends out alerts via its "Alert Bay" notifications.
"The biggest thing is to stay safe; that's the main thing," Bailey said. "But if you don't have anything to do after the storm, we always encourage people to volunteer."
For those interested in additional information, contact the Red Cross at redcross.org or the Bay County EOC at 850-784-4005.
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