Hurricane party
A hurricane party is a social event held by people in the coastal United States who live in hurricane alley between Maine and Texas and is common in the Southeast.[1] The event is held during a hurricane.[1] However the guests are typically allowed to stay with the host for 3–5 days (weather permitting) and guests, in return, bring hurricane supplies such as radios, first aid supplies, food, etc.[1]
Background
Hurricane parties were formed by people living in the southern hurricane areas of the United States, especially in Florida. Events are held by people who, for differing reasons, cannot or choose not to evacuate during a hurricane warning. Hosts may also lack hurricane supplies, therefore they invite others to stay with them so as to share supplies and company. However, these events are usually more centered on the people and the socialness of the event, yet they are not necessarily done with diversion as an objective.
Another rationale for hosting hurricane parties is the expectation that power service may be lost for days or even weeks. As a result most perishable items, particularly frozen meats, will surely be wasted after the storm. In order to make good use of these items, grilling is an important aspect of many hurricane parties, as a way of "cleaning out the freezer."
Party supplies and customs
Although the guests are expected to bring drinks and food, the host is primarily responsible for supplying a minimal amount of each for all guests involved. The host will also be required to have enough space in his/her house for the people invited, as well as having prepared the house for the coming hurricane (e.g., window boarding, standby generator).[2]
Also, in an adult environment, alcohol will most likely be present,[3] as is customary in some locations to drink according to the intensity of the hurricane.
Cultural references
- Cowboy Mouth recorded the song "Hurricane Party" about the excesses of a particular hurricane party for their 1999 live album All You Need is Live.[4]
- A key scene in Steven Soderbergh's 2012 film Magic Mike takes place at a hurricane party.
- In the Cougar Town episode, "Down South", the majority of the episode is spent at Jules' hurricane party that later moves to Grayson's Bar.
References
- 1 2 3 "How to Throw a Hurricane Party for Irene". International Business Times. August 26, 2011.
- ↑ "What Is A Hurricane Party?". Retrieved 2014-02-18.
- ↑ Amanda Hallay (2011). Vintage Cocktails: Retro Recipes for the Home Mixologist. p. 106. ISBN 1616083948.
- ↑ John Swenson (2012). New Atlantis: Musicians Battle for the Survival of New Orleans. Oxford University Press. p. 49. ISBN 0199931712.