Can you survive an unannounced storm? Although there is expert broadcasting and we are equipped with cellphones, there are still some examples when the violent weather takes us by surprise.

While most Atlantic hurricanes form off the coast of Africa giving plenty of early warning, sudden Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico hurricanes form and move rapidly in less than a day's time, endangering everyone and everything in their path.

There have been oil workers trapped off the coast when sudden storms appeared. Field archaeologists have been stuck in seaside areas without storm warnings. A few decades ago, a Texas National Guard group was trapped on the beach by rain-forced flooding and had to ride out a major hurricane during a training exercise. There've been a few cases where travelers were trapped on an island or in a seaside area and unable to escape in time.

Escaping from the storm-threatened areas is generally a choice for most of us - but not for all. Each year thousands of islanders across the Caribbean face the danger of hurricanes without a public shelter to hide in. Most ride out the storm in their homes.

But there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for some unexpected emergencies. Being prepared for the unexpected may be your best and only defense. If you're headed outdoors for a few days or weeks, you should always carry a flashlight (手电筒) with extra batteries, a GPS device (装置), and a basic medical box. If you're traveling in your car, remember you may suffer from high winds. You'd better not stay inside to avoid being blown away along with your car. Keeping your head and your courage up is crucial to survival in any type of danger. Let common sense guide you and always be prepared for the worst.