If you’re like many of people you have always dreamed about an island lifestyle. Retiring to a remote island and living off the land. Great idea, but there can be tough times ahead if you’re not used to that kind of lifestyle.

The first thing you have to realize is that there will be nowhere for you to run if there were an approaching storm of tsunami. No matter how big the island is, you are surrounded by water. And depending on the landscape around you, you may be not even have a more mountainous area to flee to if high waters are a problem.

Island living can be great, and not all islands have the same issues. But the one thing that they do have in common is the fact that they are surrounded by water and natural disasters can have a much more destructive impact on the area.

You even may have fewer options when it comes to power. Electricity on some islands cost a ton, so no matter how many fluorescent lights you install or energy efficient appliances, the power could cost a big premium.

The next time you think you’re in the market for a home on an island somewhere, you need to consider what could happen during tough events like a hurricane. You have to be as prepared as possible before making a move like this.