Don't 'drink and hurricane' during Irma

Hurricane parties are a bit of a tradition.

As people this week have scrambled for essentials like water, fuel and lumber they've also been stockpiling cases of beer and bottles of liquor. It's as much about relieving stress as anything else, they say.

And there's a lot of stress, naturally, with Hurricane Irma.

"We ran out of Captain Morgan's yesterday," Tracey Ferguson, co-owner of Michael's Liquor and Tracey's Lounge in Suntree, said Friday.

"We got another 12 cases this morning."

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Michael's and other liquor stores say it's hard to pinpoint a favorite libation but ice is usually also in the shopping cart. Many people are coming in after they've purchased hurricane supplies and have secured their homes.

As much as a tradition that hurricane parties are, emergency management officials caution against over-indulging during the storm.

There are many stupid things people do during storms. Think starting a charcoal grill in your kitchen to cook or taking a swim in the ocean just so you can have bragging rights. Excess amounts of Wild Turkey and Grey Goose only worsens that type of behavior.

"We want everyone to be alert," said Titusville Police Department Deputy Chief Todd Hutchinson. "And that would involve restraint when it comes to alcohol."

One South Florida Web site even fashioned a drinking game about Hurricane Irma. "20 Excuses To Raise a Glass Before and During the Hurricane This Weekend."

People are encouraged to watch TV news and take a drink every time a newscaster says certain phrases like "hunker down," or "storm surge" or "feeder bands." While it's somewhat tongue-in-cheek suggestion to play the "20 Excuses" game, too much alcohol could easily lead to clownish, and then dangerous situations — dangerous not only for individuals but also first responders who may have to rescue them.

"We do not encourage hurricane partying," said Don Walker, public information officer for Brevard County Emergency Management. "During times of emergencies, it's important that people remain aware and alert at all times."

Contact Price at 321-242-3658 or wprice@floridatoday.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Fla2dayBiz.