This paper intends to provide a glimpse of the within-the-fence activity of a major chlorine. caustic soda and chlorinated hydrocarbons manufacturing complex, immediately before and during the 2 weeks following Hurricane Rita. The paper touches on the basics, covering "preparation," "perseverance" and "powering up again" as this chemical complex began to return to normal. There are expected and unexpected things that a significant hurricane can impact, and you may wonder how your organization would fare. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.