Survival of the Fittest: Hurricane Irene Will Not Threaten My Family (ContributorNetwork)

FIRST PERSON | OAK ISLAND, N.C. -- At any given moment, I can take my family two blocks to the beach to enjoy a day filled with sun and fun. Living in Oak Island has its perks, but the drawbacks are living in a constant state of fear during hurricane season. Mother Nature is powerful, but nothing will threaten my family.

According to the latest information from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Irene is expected to make landfall Saturday near Wilmington, N.C., 30 minutes away from my house. Am I scared, yes, but I will do everything to prevent loss of life and property.

Preparing for the Worst

Last year, the North Carolina coast felt the effects of Hurricane Earl and survived unscathed. This year, I am not taking any chances. When the initial reports circulated concerning the path of Hurricane Irene, I jumped into action. With my home sitting only 5 feet above sea level, my fear is the storm surge engulfing my home with water.

I grabbed all of the important papers, birth certificates, bills and placed them in a water resistant bag. My children became my little helpers and began packing cloths for the next several days as my wife filled both cars with gas and got extra money out of the ATM.

Canned food, potable water, chargers and computers were situated in one centralized location. All of the mattresses are moved to the highest location in the house with extra linens placed in trash bags to prevent water damage. With only two access roads leading off the island, I have to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.

Stick It Out or Head for the Hills

Hurricane Irene is forecast to make landfall as a Category 3 with sustained winds of 110 mph. A storm of that magnitude is not something I am willing ride out, so we are leaving Friday. We are driving to Fayetteville, two hours away from my home. The town is still in the path of Hurricane Irene, but my family and I have a greater chance of survival. We only hope that when we return back home we can still enjoy our fun in the sun with a house untouched by Hurricane Irene.

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Joplin Tornado Fungus Strikes Family of Nationally Known Artist (ContributorNetwork)

Linda Lindquist-Baldwin is known for her belsnickles. For more than 25 years her figurines have adorned Christmas decorations and Halloween displays. She also has spring designs for bunnies and chickens for Easter.

Her brother is recovering from the Joplin tornado in Columbia at University of Missouri hospital. As part of Mark Lindquist's treatment are anti-fungal drugs while he recovers from his injuries and from pneumonia. The Springfield News-Leader reports he remains sedated.

Lindquist was working at a home for the developmentally disabled. His family didn't even know he had survived. It has been six weeks since the tornado destroyed over a quarter of the city. The CDC counts Lindquist as one of 12 people who have suffered from a fungal infection after the twister.

At least three people have died from the tornado who also had a massive fungal infection. In many cases, the survival rate of the rare mucormcosis is only 50 percent. Treatment includes intravenous anti-fungal medications and surgically removing parts of the wound.

Lindquist-Baldwin is celebrating 25 years of her Belsnickles. They are award-winning pieces are unique and are limited editions each season. The artist resides in McDonald County and is known for her charitable work in the area. The Humane Society and Crowder College have been recipients of her time and donations.

Belsnickles originated in Germany from the late 1800s to World War I. Their unique property is that they are covered in white flecks of mica to simulate snow covering the figures. They were originally meant to be Christmas decorations, but Lindquist-Baldwin expanded them into other seasons.

Toy Collector Magazine reports original belsnickles are hard to find. They were made of a clay-paper mixture or papier-mache. Today they are made of harder materials that are strong yet lightweight.

Lindquist-Baldwin has made modern versions that are just as cute as the originals. She first got the idea in 1986 when she bought a book at a yard sale for a nickel. The rest was history. She won several awards for individual figures and also for her philanthropy.

In addition to her Belsnickles, other lines include more holidays in Lindquist-Baldwin's pieces. Snowsnickles are snowmen. Broomsnickles are for Halloween and include ghosts and witches. Samsnickles are American patriotic pieces. Harsnickles are for Easter and the springtime.

Lindquist-Baldwin created her own company and became her own businesswoman in 2003. She holds annual holiday events in her hometown of Joplin, the city where she grew up. The Lindquist family is well-known in southwest Missouri and we all pray for their safety and quick recovery in their time of need.

William Browning, a lifelong Missouri resident, writes about local and state issues for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Born in St. Louis, Browning earned his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri. He currently resides in Branson.

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