Living in Central Florida about 20 minutes from the gulf coast, I am fully aware of hurricanes but have never experienced the full wrath of one. Hurricane Irma may change that.
It's no mystery that I've bemoaned my living conditions for the past year but when my landlady came knocking on the door and said, "If the storm is coming, get the hell out," it made me wonder exactly how long this would be my home. She pointed to the very large trees surrounding our small neighborhood and shook her head. "These trailers aren't going to hold up."
That made me pause and seriously rethink the idea of staying.
State of Florida superimposed on Hurricane Irma
Screenshot from CBSN news
Projected storm track from NOAA
I lived in New York and experienced the after effects of Hurricane Irene in 2011. By the time Irene reached my neighborhood it was downgraded to a tropical storm but in the 30+ years I lived in the area, I've never seen water breech Route 94.
We were one of the lucky ones. Our house was on the main drag but we had just enough grade to our property that the scope of the damage was 2 inches of water in the back corner of our laundry room and we had to throw out an area rug.
PLANNING AHEAD
I'm not one to panic because that just expends way too much energy. I prefer to assess the situation and plan accordingly. With Irma still a few days away there is time for the storm to shift or lose strength. I'm no hero trying to stick it out in a bad situation. I know my trailer isn't going to survive much of 60 mph wind gusts (if that.) And it's not so much my trailer being blown to bits but the trees that could potentially fall on it. So here are some things I've planned.
If I stay in my home
If and when the electricity goes out I want to be certain of a few things.
WATER
I have one case of bottled water per person.
I've also got four 5-gallon buckets with lids that we purchased from Lowe's.
a. It's 5 gallons of water that can be used for cooking and giving the pets water.
b. It's a back up supply of water in case we run out of bottled water.
c. Once the bucket is empty it can be used to carry valuable items.
d. Worst case scenario, it can be used to shovel debris.
The tub gets filled. This water will be used for flushing toilets.
FOOD
There is enough dry goods in the house to feed 3 people for about 4 days. In case of a disaster, it is enough to get by until relief shows up. This can also be rationed out to last longer if need be.
Canned goods (soup, beans, tuna...)
Pantry items (peanut butter, jelly, crackers...)
Bread
Cold cuts and boiled eggs (which will be consumed first to decrease the chance of spoilage)
Keeping food cold.
An energy-efficient refrigerator will usually keep items cold for a day or two if you can keep the door closed as much as possible. Frozen foods can be pushed up to 2 to 3 days especially if it's full. Keeping a bag of ice in there helps too. Just remember to put it in water tight freezer bags so it doesn't melt all over the place.
Coolers are great for cold food storage and as effective as your refrigerator. When it's empty it's a good place to store valuables and can be doubled as a seat.
COOKING
I have my Coleman grill and a few bottles of propane. I've also got a charcoal grill that can be used for preparing hot meals or boiling water.
If everything is wet it's going to be hard to start a camp fire.
Consider stocking some wood to burn and try to wrap it under a tarp to keep it dry.
Of course if there are significant winds they might be projectiles so consider what you're stockpiling and where to secure it.
MUST HAVES
Manual can opener
Lighters and Matches (helpful unless you know how to make fire by rubbing two sticks together)
Candles (for light)
Lanterns, flashlights, and batteries (if you have them)
Dry clothes (I like to pack light using garbage or contractor bags)
PLAN B
There are certain risks with staying in my house but we've established Plan B.
We've located a local emergency shelter less than a half mile walk from our house.
We've connected with friends who live in sturdier homes on higher ground.
If we're told to evacuate
Here's my attitude: You can replace your stuff but you cannot replace people.
After a few rough years I've lost all my stuff a few times so looking around my house wondering what's critical and what I can stand to lose is not too difficult.
IMPORTANT STUFF: People, pets, computers; critical paperwork, files and drives in a fire and waterproof safe, a small bag of clean clothes and some travel toiletries.
NOT SO IMPORTANT STUFF Everything else.
INFORMATION FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS
Keep these links handy:
Florida Evacuates will help you locate an open shelter. These statuses are handled by the American Red Cross.
Florida Disaster Preparedness Map provides evacuation routes and zone maps.
Florida Special Needs Registry
From their website: "The Florida Division of Emergency Management, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, developed a registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies."
One last thing... Donations
If you wish to send a donation, consider making it a monetary donation to a legitimate organization. They are boots on the ground and know what the immediate needs of the area and its residents are.
It would be wise for county or community leaders to set up a gift registry for people to send stuff that's actually needed.
DO NOT SEND bulky things or old clothes! If there is a disaster and whole areas are rubble, there is no place to store bulky items. In fact, it might be more hindrance than help.
This summer we were evacuated because of a wildfire. I know now how it feels to be in that pre-stage of do we even have to worry and then oh shit we have to get out.
We were ready to go, but there is always last minute stuff you have to do to actually get out. We had a slight advantage on others getting the evac notice a little early since my nephew works for the sheriff dept. it was freakin stressful! I was glad we got out before the crowd.
I also watched with great interest when they evacuated Oroville (near my old neck of the woods, I have a life history with oroville) and other towns last spring when lake oroville was so full it was cresting and destroying the emergency over flow and they were worried about dam failure. The roads out of town became parking lots. If the dam failed those people were dead.
And for perspective, the failure of the oroville dam would cause devastation all through the valley to Sacramento and on to the SF Bay Area, lasting years. This area has a lot of orchards, farms and large areas of people. Millions of people. This dam is still an issue to be watched.
You are the second source I've seen compare the hurricane with the size of the state. They won't evac the state, but possibly should. Seems like a good time to take a trip northwest.
Whatever you do, please try to find a way to let us know you're ok.
Thankfully we've got local friends that opened their house to us should the need arise - and tons of family in New York that can temporarily take us in if the house gets blown to smithereens. I can't worry about stuff that hasn't happened yet.
I tell you though, people are in a full-blown panic. My husband emailed me from work. He said they got a truck load of generators and sold out in less than 30 minutes. My friend left Orlando yesterday and drove to Tennessee. Took him about 16 hours because of the traffic. I don't know what's worse, the storm or the road rage.
I saw that Comcast and Verizon are offering mobile hot spots throughout the state. I just have to make sure I keep my mobile devices charge. Will definitely keep you guys up to date.
This is the kind of thing that makes things go from bad to worse, even for those with level heads if for no other reason the people around them.
I'll be on the look out for updates. Stay safe
You know what makes me mad? Hearing that people are buying whole pallets of water and 4 generators. Maybe this is jaded thinking but no one needs that much. I suspect these a**holes are prepping to gouge their neighbors in need. SMH
I'm surprised they'll sell a pallet of water to one person in a time like this.
Watch for generators on craigslist in a month or two, could get a bargain!
We got the evacuation notice - but only because I live in a trailer. Off we go to stay with a friend in a sturdy home. :)
How are you?
Wow, I know that feeling. Hope all stays well for you. Thanks for the update
I'd be curious if you have boots on the ground info about Irma after this. I've been seeing a lot of videos saying that the media has been hyping the extent of the storm, and that what your actually getting is more of a tropical storm, and if a hurricane, a cat 3 at the greatest. Would like to vet this info. Maybe a post idea? :)
Yes, please stay safe I am also in Florida and I am planning on driving north tonight. This one is gonna be no joke. I pray it swerves off but better to be prepared.
Stay safe @merej99
Where are you heading? How far north? We are planning to ride it out then maybe head to orlando/ocala area in the days after if the damage to power grid, etc is extreme.
Ride it out? No, i would drive out before the storm, maybe stay ahead? I am driving up North Orlando area i was suppose to be in Vegas but My mother is the type that is staying in her house because the blood of Christ and her church group are praying the storm away. (She is older and set in her ways and i can't knock her for it) I believe in God too but this is a big storm and I have a son to keep safe! After tomorrow if the news is still bad we will go to Alabama or TN. I will try to get updates out if i can.
Please be safe and God Bless
Y'all take care! This one is a humdinger. Absolutely better safe than sorry!
Just talked to my 80 yr Dad in the Orlando area and he's staying put, too. Grrrrr....
He listed off all his prep and feels confidant they're going to be okay. He laughed when I asked if he had his boat in the driveway. That he said yes told me he's not taking things lightly, in spite of his reaction. Besides, he said they couldn't find any hotels to run to closer than Atlanta. Everything south of there is booked or closed.
Hoping this thing takes a right turn and heads off oceanward.
Yes, taking a right turn and heading back into the ocean would be the best thing but it looks like Miami is going to get bulls-eyed. I've noticed a lot of people either in panic mode or staying cool as cucumbers. Very little in between. I understand your dad's point of view. Nothing funny about what's going on but we have to keep our humor.
Hubby just got home and he said it took people from Miami and the Keys 24 hours to drive a normal 6-hour trip into our area. Our hotels are booked and just last night we got the evacuation notice. So today I am packing up the house and bringing a few things to our storage unit. Everything else is stuff we can stand to lose but I'm putting them in lower cupboards anyway.
We're not leaving the state. Our county has evac notices for low areas and mobile homes. I just happen to live in a mobile home. SIGH. Catch you later, @aunt-deb. I'll check in when I can.
Safety is paramount! Best thoughts and will keep an eye on Twitter and here. Hugs, hon!
Definitely do what's best for you and your son. I'm more worried about my son at Camp Lejuene than I am for myself but they've got bunkers for their Marines. I am sending prayers and positive thoughts up for your mother too. You're right. Some people are set in their ways and there's nothing more we can do but hope for the best. Be safe and travel safely.
Thank you and my prayers and positive energy go out to your you and your family.
:-( update on the 5PM NHC track map.
I am right under the (M) on the 2 PM Sun position
Jeezus @steempowerpics - I hope you're getting the hell out of there! If our shelves were decimated with panic buys, I cannot imagine what South Florida is dealing with.
PLEASE BE SAFE.
We are shuttered up with lots of food/water, full gas tanks - it's been a mad house down here since Tuesday. With the storm path straight up the state we really have nowhere to go. The highways have been jammed since 8am this morning with all the mandatory evacs from the coast coming inland and northbound.
My parents are near Ocala, depending on the scope of damage (how extreme power/water loss looks to be once it passes) we may drive up there in the days after. But it will still be a CAT 2 up that way by you as well, so we are staying put. If the path holds true, this thing will take out 60% of the state in a 24 hour run.
Wishing you and your family the best up there as well.
My friend left Orlando last night. It took him 16 hours to drive to Tennessee. I'm staying put for now but I don't intend to stay in this tin can I call a "house" if winds are going to be over 40 mph. I'd probably be safer in my storage unit!
How are you doing? Just wanted to make sure you and your family are ok.
How'd you guys make out through the storm?
Hernando County was hit pretty hard. I was actually outside in the EYE of the damned thing looking up at the half moon. Pretty damned crazy. We had power for a few days and just got internet today. No complaints. I have a home to rest my head in...which is a damned MIRACLE because a micro tornado literally dropped a bunch of trees at my door step... you know... because a hurricane just wasn't enough. SMH
Well I'm happy to know your are ok. We got very lucky here all things considered. Lost power/water for about 30 hours, and most of the trees are shredded as expected, but no damage to house or cars. Seems to be hit or miss, my sister's place and some friends 10 miles east of me closer to Ft Lauderdale got hit harder. I just took down our shutters yesterday and now have the next blob spinning in the Atlantic. :-/
Ah was just thinking of you when i saw the news. Not surprised to hear you've got it all covered.
Good luck and God bless. I'll be keeping an eye out for your next report xx
I can't help the wee bit of worry in the pit of my stomach but the rest of me is just going to do what I'm good at -- Just go with the flow... and hope that's not taken too literally. :P
Praying for you guys! I have family in Houston and they said it was pretty bad. I just can't imagine Hurricane Irma. Much of luck and take care. Upvote you to help out! Cheers from Mexico!
Yeah, some of my Texas friends have a lot of clean up to do but at least they are still around. I am not that tough a person. If it looks like it's going to get really REALLY bad, we're going to take precautions. I'm kind of worried about my neighbors across the way. They've got no means and no car.
I can't imagine what yall going threw right now as we chat. May God be with yall. Please do take as much precautions as you can @merej99. Keep us updated amiga! Blessings and cheers to all!
Just resteemed
exactly
Stay safe, yourself!
And Good Luck!
Much appreciated @stevecoins. With fires on the left and hurricanes on the right where's a person to go?
I lived in Florida when Andrew hit , please hear me...get out! Sounds like you think you have a plan but hurricanes are unpredictable and dangerous. I'd rather go to a shelter for a few days and not need it than try to get into one when there is a category 5 hurricane going on.
I think part of the reason why we haven't left yet is because there is an emergency shelter very near by (within a half mile). And I know I can't save anyone if I can't save myself but my neighbors across the way are elderly and disabled with no car and no means to get out of town. I'm not very social with them but I've taken them to the store to get groceries and meds once in a while. I'm worried about them.
Stay safe boys and girls. I don't know when these natural disasters will end, but they can't last forever.
Stay strong!
living in a mobile home in a hurricane is suicide.
I can't imagine why you are still there.
My advice to you is take a sharpie and write your name and SSAN on your arm
that'll make it easier to identify the body.
I actually laughed out loud @everittdmickey. I really love how to-the-point you are. It will be a fekkin' miracle if these trailers survive the impending winds. I'll be grabbing my neighbors and heading to the shelter if it gets to that point. I'll keep the sharpie idea in mind.
have you ever tried to run in fifty mph winds?
Irma has 200mph winds.
full of flying debris.
That is exactly what they are telling to people along the coast down here who are refusing the evac orders to do. Name, SSN, phone # to contact on your arm with a sharpie.
My understanding is that when a mandatory evacuation order is given.
If you stay you're own your own.
Don't expect to be rescued.
You're just exactly where you want to be...enjoy it while you're alive.
If we get evacuation orders my ass is gone. I'm not going to be one of those people who didn't listen to a mandatory order and put other people's lives at risk.
I was a trucker.
I helped with the aftermath of Katrina and half a dozen other hurricanes.
After what I saw during those years I'd be high tailing it for the high ground way ahead of any mandatory evacuation odur.
oh..fun fact.
I was in dallas when they had a F5 tornado rip thru. I saw a video of it tossing semitrucks around like kids playtoys.
That was a MONSTER F5 (windspeeds of over 200 mph)
Irma has windspeeds of over 200mph.
Irma is a tornado the size of Ohio...
Just so ya know.
If you are in Florida that might have happened...
We got the mandatory evacuation notice because we live in a tin can. So we're off to a friend's block house to hunker down. I'm sure we'll have to deal with some sort of flooding but we're high enough that storm surge isn't an issue.
if you live on the east coast it looks like you're catching a break.
the west coast...however...is about to get fornicated.
Unfortunately,
I'm thinking they could be in the middle of it about now.
Thinking of you and wishing you well @merej99
My best friend lives in Jupiter, FL and she evacuated today. She had a baby just a few weeks ago so it was just out of precaution. She sent pics of her house with boards over every single window before she and her family left. It was crazy and scary looking. I really hope you and your family will be in a safe spot. It's good you have a plan in place.
Glad your friend got out when she did. It must be extra scary especially with a baby! I can't imagine!
From what Pat tells me, all the lumber is sold out. They might get another shipment before the storm but truth to tell these walls probably wouldn't support the extra weight of the wood to shutter its windows. I think it's held together by hope and spider webs.
Keep safe. We are with you and your loved ones.
Prayers and positive thoughts are always appreciated. Keep Florida and South Carolina on your mind. The east coast looks like it's going to get the worst of it.
You seem to have everything covered. Be safe everything can eventually be replaced but your loved ones.
So far so good, @team101. We're just taking it a day at a time and keeping our loved ones aware of what we're doing and where we are (or are going to be).
Wow, you have everything covered and still with a few days to spare. Pray for your safety, and keep us posted.
You know... I recently spent about 18 weeks worrying about two boys in Marine Corps bootcamp and the motto we all used was HURRY UP AND WAIT And so here I sit, as prepared as I can be and find myself, once again, in a perpetual state of hurry up and wait. It's exhausting! LOL
@sambenki stay sife
Thank you. <3
My thoughts are with you and all in the path of this storm. God bless!
I'm not yet worried about me so much but the people of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Southern Florida. Prayers and thoughts for everyone going through this right now.
omg please be safe!!
Hubby and I like our skin too much to be in too much danger. Thank you @steemitqa! We'll keep you guys up to date with what's going on.
This is good advice for anyone preparing for potentially bad times. I hope the storm steers clear of land somehow. Stay safe!
Thank you @kenny-crane - prepping is one thing. Dealing with the real thing is going to be a whole other bag of beans. We'll see what we see <3
Be safe and do what the emergency planners tell you. Best wishes.
Thank you! We haven't gotten any notices for our county yet but I've been staying tuned in to the local radio stations for news.
Best of luck to you as you weather the storm! Stay safe and I hope that the storm quickly downgrades so none of this has to happen. So many things I'm not sure I would have thought of...but then again, I've never had to for survival, either. Sending you lots of positive thoughts, energy, and prayers!
I'm also in the path here in hendry county, sw fl ... stay safe my steemit friend!! The one prep item I didn't see on your list is a storm smartphone app https://steemit.com/hurricaneirma/@mrsray/hurricane-irma-vs-wilma-vs-andrew-and-must-have-apps ... good to add to your list. Praying all of us here in FL get through without any loss of life. Anything else can be rebuilt. @MrsRay
YES. Be safe and thank you for the list of apps! I'll look into them very shortly. I even topped off my TMobile hot spot and only using that to check in and let friends and family know we're okay. I can't stress it enough... BE SAFE
Just saw this-- hope you're OK, out there. Friends in Key West, Naples & Sarasota all rode it out and have reported back safely... let us know you're OK, when you can, although you're probably without power.
We just got our internet today. I am emotionally and physically exhausted but we're home, safe and sound. All of you guys are THE BEST - there were some mighty powerful prayers of protection because my house and truck really should have been smooshed like a pancake. NO JOKE!
Just to let you know we're still thinking of you, wherever and however you are and whether you see this note or not. Love & prayers x
Ah! I'm really pleased to hear that. All the best for smoothing out the wrinkles!
@lloyddavis - we're all okay! Home, car, pets, and people. I might have a few more white hairs than before and my house definitely has a lot more wrinkles, soft spots and leaks but she's still standing. Phew! What a week!
Esto se llama prevención estratégica
Desde Puerto La Cruz estamos pendientes con los actuales huracanes, esperemos que al tocar tierra continental pierda inmediatamente su fuerza
Omg. Texas and now Florida.
Stay safe
Looks like the track is going right up Florida on the west side and going to affect the lower east states until it hits Tennessee!
Hope it does not cause much damage.
Be safe and you can never to to well prepared. If it was me though honestly I would have left 2-3 days ago and not chanced it.
I know you like adventure, mere, but I agree with @everittdmickey - Deb and I watched the news and saw the bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-75. You can't wait and see - you have to move now. Even if you survived the storm you'll be in the middle of a disaster zone probably for weeks. It's not worth the risk.
Hi John. I'm not saying Hernando County is one of the safest counties because we have higher elevation. I-95 and 75 are bumper to bumper and even a couple days ago there were a lot of abandoned vehicles. It's nuts. Now, it might not matter that we're relocating to a block house when it comes to 100+ mph winds but we've got a much better chance than being in this tin can. We've got our supplies and... well... I don't expect to have a home once this is over. Strangely, I'm okay with that as long as my husband, son, pups and I come out of this alive and well. :)
Break's over! Time to pack a few more things. ;)
you know Deb and I are praying for you guys - Take care, mere :)
@johnjgeddes - please let Deb know that we're all okay! Emotionally and physically exhausted and way behind on a lot of work. Holy geez have I got some stories to tell but the thoughts and prayers were felt and most definitely answered. HUGS.
I'm so glad, mere - went on your site to see if you posted but just saw posts re Irma relief efforts. I'll tell Deb - we were concerned :)
Mere!!! I'm back on steemit!! So glad you are safe and that I'll get to talk to you again soon. Take the time you need to do what you need to do. I just cannot imagine what you experienced. I'd offer to help but....you know, we do live very far away.
Im just glad that you are okay. Hugs back. And continued prayers for your well being and safe recovery.
There's so much weather trauma and difficulty this season. I'm glad to hear you have a shelter close by. I hope you head for it sooner than later. Do you have a clear line that would get you to head for the shelter? During an event, it's so easy to try to hunker down, if you haven't already figured out your trigger for leaving. I hope everyone stays safe and has a quick recovery.
Stay safe and good luck @merej99 you have the right attitude <3
Stay safe my friend, i know what this means. We don't have hurricanes in Mauritius, but we do have tropical cyclones which destroys everything on it's passage.
Take all necessary precautions.
My prayers with you all.
Good post. Prepare or be doomed if you don't flee.
Be safe!!!! good vibes...
This is horrible and so scary, my thoughts go out to all of you, I hope and pray you all stay safe.
Just seeing this today...
Please update us with your status whenever you may be able?
You are in my prayers.
😄😇😄
@merej99 - I know it's an old post, but please give us some sign that you are OK, as well let us know if you need anything. Maybe we can help somehow.