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Post by Linda on Sept 5, 2017 14:46:35 GMT
We're in the middle of the state which theoretically should make us safer. But we were hit by three hurricanes in six weeks back in 2004. Yup - I remember that year well...we only really were affected by Frances and Jeannie but Florida as a whole also had Charley and Ivan
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Sept 5, 2017 14:51:17 GMT
What people have already forgotten due to the coverage of the Houston flooding is that Harvey first brought wind. He hit the coast at Rockport/Port Aransas/Corpus Christi as a Category 4. Rockport and many other towns in that area have been destroyed. If Irma hits as a Cat 5, the destruction will be even worse. I'm sorry, Gypsy, I didn't mean to be insensitive. I haven't forgotten about those towns on the coast, but you're right, a lot more attention has been on Houston than on the other areas. I don't want to believe Irma will be a CAT 5. We saw first-hand with Hurricane Andrew what that can do. I didn't take it as insensitive at all. However, I do worry that people are going to hear forecasters say that Irma isn't bringing the rain that Harvey did and become complacent about preparation/evacuation. I've been through a Cat. 2 storm and if I were anywhere in Irma's path, I would be packing up and hitting the road. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Irma's path.
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 5, 2017 14:55:34 GMT
The Weather Channel meteorologists are saying this storm will be nothing like Harvey. Harvey brought a lot of water. Irma is bringing a lot of wind. What people have already forgotten due to the coverage of the Houston flooding is that Harvey first brought wind. He hit the coast at Rockport/Port Aransas/Corpus Christi as a Category 4. Rockport and many other towns in that area have been destroyed. If Irma hits as a Cat 5, the destruction will be even worse. Anything above a Category 3 should expect walls to crumble and roofs to fly away. The destruction from the wind alone will resemble that of a major tornado. There must be a number of really good videos online to see what that kind of destruction winds of this magnitude looks like. They are sobering. Gulf or East Coast, it could be devastating which we can ill afford so close on the heels of Harvey and with the rampant fires in the West. Wherever Irma touches land as a major hurricane WILL receive devastation. It's going to strain our national resources even more, but we, as a country, can handle it. People need to be as proactive as they can be to save their own lives, their own property, and the lives and property of their neighbors. (Advice that just can't be given enough, IMHO.) I hope your DH realizes the power and severity of the storm and puts safety first. Don't fault him too much. The path of Irma has so many unknowns at this moment that none of us can even guess what is going through his thoughts. He may be more concerned than he is letting on and may even underplay his fears to try to protect his wife, preferring to remain as calm as he possibly can. All I know is that when a monster hurricane is headed towards you, it takes time for it all to sink in. As prepared as we are, I'm still a little sick to my stomach with worry. That's actually a good thing. It makes you want to do something and depending on where you live, there is a lot that may need to be done. For those who will evacuate: NOW is the time to plan what you will take. 1) Get your prescriptions filled ASAP. 2) Find your important papers to take with you. 3) Get some cash. 4) If you can, try paying down any credit cards you may use so you'll have credit available if you need it. 5) If you still have one, take your checkbook and extra checks. 6) Locate your insurance information. If you can't find your policy numbers, DO NOT PANIC. If you use a local agent, put the agent's phone number and address in your phone NOW. You can call them to get your policy number and add it in the notes section of their contact information on your phone. BUT EVEN IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR POLICY NUMBER, if you who know your agent is and where their office is located, THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAN FIND YOUR POLICY NUMBER if you need to call in a claim before you can return to your home. The sooner you start the process, the better when a claim needs to be filed. You don't need to wait until you return if you know that your home or your immediate neighborhood has received heavy damage. 7) It won't hurt to pack a few rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, and a package of wet wipes or baby wipes. 8) If you have pets, get carriers for them. Don't forget to pack their food and any medications they need. 9) Pillows, blankets and even a few large towels can not only come in handy, they are also very comforting. 10) If you or a child have a particular small item that brings you comfort, take it. 11) Consider taking a small, contained candle with you and add one of those long lighters. You may be around some musty conditions and lighting a candle (with every proper precaution) can help make it smell more pleasant. 12) Take clothing for several days for each person. Include clothing for cooler weather. 13) NOW is the time to gather your photographs and albums and put them into ziplock bags (heavy duty freezer bags if possible) and then put those bags into sturdy plastic containers that have a locking lid. If you can, take what you can with you. If you can't take them, place them on the highest level you can in case of flooding and find somewhere that is protected if the roof is damaged or destroyed. An inner closet - especially one inside a bathroom or under a staircase - may be the best choice. The best thing you can do if you have time is to scan your photos, and if you don't have the time it takes to do that (because that takes a lot of time), take photos of your photos with your camera or your phone. (That's much faster.) 14) Take bottles of water and food that doesn't need refrigeration. 15) Consider taking an approved fuel tank with extra gasoline. This will require extra care to pack, so if you don't know how, either youtube, ask someone who has experience, or don't take it. 16) Take your camera, your phone, your laptop and any other electronic devices you think you'll need. DO NOT FORGET THE CHARGING CORDS. This is probably old hat for most of you, but it needs to be said: Secure your property. That means boarding windows and stowing away anything outside that could become a missile hazard. I probably missed a whole lot, but this is just off the top of my head.
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Post by Linda on Sept 5, 2017 14:55:49 GMT
our shelters do not take pets - I checked and even if they did, ours don't have current vax records (yeah, I know but they are indoor only cats). We'll keep an eye on the track and head into Georgia if we have to but...ultimately it's not my call, it'll be up to DH (I don't drive)...hopefully it won't come to that Get carriers for your cats now if you don't already have them. I'm going to give you some cold, hard truth. Husbands can be in denial about the need to evacuate. (Not to knock the men, women can be in denial too.) I tell you this as the widow of a man who by necessity kept careful track of any storm approaching the Gulf Coast. Evacuation came as a shock to him. The call is not just your husband's to make. Your life is your call and if he refuses to leave, find another way to leave if the storm is coming to you. I am not a dramatic person. I don't take lightly what I say when it comes to major hurricanes. And if my words can reach just one person and make a difference, all the effort will have been worth it. I do appreciate it and am paying attention to what you (and others) are saying. I do have cat carriers and I'll make sure they are inside before Irma is due here (if indeed she comes this way) as they are currently in the shed. I'm making sure we have batteries, water, food, important documents, etc...And I do hope that if it appears to be headed our way as a major storm (rather than the TS most hurricanes are when they reach us), that he'll on board to evacuate. Where we'll go, I don't know...we're at the junction of two interstates (I-10 and I-75) but both will, no doubt, be one-way (well, maybe not I-10...depending on the path it may be one way towards us) and jammed with evacuees from the coast and further south - and I-10 heads out towards Harvey's destruction anyway AND tends to flood near us....so I would guess 75 into Georgia would be more sensible but .... I suspect it'll be more parking lot than interstate in my area.
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 5, 2017 15:07:30 GMT
I would guess 75 into Georgia would be more sensible but .... I suspect it'll be more parking lot than interstate in my area. Yep. FORTUNATELY, we have learned from each successive hurricane. There will be an effort to have things like gasoline in place all along the way. But... it's going to be a very long ride. Know that it will be and just try to remain calm.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on Sept 5, 2017 15:35:12 GMT
People definitely preparing here, Walmart is out of water today, and 5-6 days before any likely impacts here!
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Post by genny on Sept 5, 2017 16:05:07 GMT
We are supposed to be in Pensacola next weekend - I'm watching the news daily to see whats going on with this monster storm. We may need to postpone.
I hope all of you guys in the path stay safe!
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 5, 2017 16:34:33 GMT
People definitely preparing here, Walmart is out of water today, and 5-6 days before any likely impacts here! You don't have to rely just on bottled water. You can fill/refill containers right from the tap now.
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 5, 2017 16:46:19 GMT
A few more things to pack if you need to evacuate:
1) Sunglasses
2) Sunscreen/suntan lotion
3) Mosquito repellent
4) Hat
5) Books/Kindles/Magazines to read then. Not every one you've ever bought.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on Sept 5, 2017 16:54:28 GMT
People definitely preparing here, Walmart is out of water today, and 5-6 days before any likely impacts here! You don't have to rely just on bottled water. You can fill/refill containers right from the tap now. Absolutely, we have the freezer stocked with frozen water containers we've filled. Good for power outages and water after the storm. I read someone's advice to get a new clean trash can with lid to fill with extra water for pets, considering this!
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Post by genny on Sept 5, 2017 17:16:50 GMT
My niece is in Tampa and just called to ask if she and her roommate can come stay with us (we are in west central Ga). Both of their families are in Michigan, so we are the closest relatives for either of them.
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Post by Pahina722 on Sept 5, 2017 17:22:41 GMT
We are in Pensacola, but DS is in Orlando at UCF. We are about to tell him to leave NOW and come up here where there are more options as to where to go if need be. The big problem is that the whole freakin state is in danger! and I'm sure we will start getting phone calls from DH's parents in their vacation home in NC wanting us to check on their brand new house which they built on stilts on a bayou. I'm not making this up--they did the same thing with Erin and Opal. We were sitting without power in neighborhoods covered in downed trees, but they wanted us to somehow navigate across town to check on the condition of their house.
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 5, 2017 17:51:43 GMT
We are in Pensacola, but DS is in Orlando at UCF. We are about to tell him to leave NOW and come up here where there are more options as to where to go if need be. The big problem is that the whole freakin state is in danger! and I'm sure we will start getting phone calls from DH's parents in their vacation home in NC wanting us to check on their brand new house which they built on stilts on a bayou. I'm not making this up--they did the same thing with Erin and Opal. We were sitting without power in neighborhoods covered in downed trees, but they wanted us to somehow navigate across town to check on the condition of their house. That sounds like something DH's family would do!
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Post by Linda on Sept 5, 2017 18:29:16 GMT
People definitely preparing here, Walmart is out of water today, and 5-6 days before any likely impacts here! our WM is out of water also - they were out of gas a couple of days ago...I'm assuming that's been remedied by now. Just read an article saying that it would take an est. 99 HOURS to evacuate south Florida....and all those people will be funnelled through my area if they are leaving the state (and judging by Irma's size and projected path...that would be wise, no one wants a repeat of Erin where people fled Miami for Orlando, only to have Erin make landfall in the Orlanod area. www.actionnewsjax.com/news/trending-now/thinking-about-leaving-ahead-of-hurricane-irma-read-this-first/603460894
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Sept 5, 2017 19:07:16 GMT
have a question for the FL peas. My mom is in West Palm beach. Finally talked to her today and she is saying they are waiting till Thursday to leave....Is that when everyone else is bugging out? She seems to be not concerned about this in the least and IM really worried she is not taking this as seriously as she needs to.
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Post by mom26 on Sept 5, 2017 19:57:42 GMT
People definitely preparing here, Walmart is out of water today, and 5-6 days before any likely impacts here! You don't have to rely just on bottled water. You can fill/refill containers right from the tap now. Very good reminder, leftturnonly. We have collapsible containers that we fill with tap water to be used for rinsing, brushing teeth, etc. Save the bottled water for drinking and preparing food. They're great because they fold flat and take up very little space when stored.
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Post by sarahyoo72 on Sept 5, 2017 20:04:00 GMT
I'm in NE FL. I did my grocery run today, and have a full tank of gas. DD and DH fly out on Saturday morning - she starts college in the UK and he is going to settle her in. If it looks bad for Jax, I will be packing up the car, DS and the cat and heading north on the I 75 after they leave.
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 5, 2017 20:29:10 GMT
have a question for the FL peas. My mom is in West Palm beach. Finally talked to her today and she is saying they are waiting till Thursday to leave....Is that when everyone else is bugging out? She seems to be not concerned about this in the least and IM really worried she is not taking this as seriously as she needs to. It's still a little early to know for sure whether Irma will go near them or not or maybe I should say when. Sunday is the earliest expected and it may take longer than that. It's a real mental game to prepare yourself to evacuate. If she's talking about leaving, she is taking this seriously.
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,003
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Sept 5, 2017 20:36:32 GMT
I can't even with all this..destruction. My prayers go out to all who may be affected by this.
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Post by jewelie121 on Sept 5, 2017 21:13:38 GMT
Also, for those who are staying, fill your tubs with water before power goes out. You can use it for flushing, cleaning up, etc.
I'm not far from the gulf coast (was affected by Katrina) so I'm watching this closely. There's still so many uncertainties with the way it's moving. Praying for all affected.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Sept 5, 2017 22:15:24 GMT
have a question for the FL peas. My mom is in West Palm beach. Finally talked to her today and she is saying they are waiting till Thursday to leave....Is that when everyone else is bugging out? She seems to be not concerned about this in the least and IM really worried she is not taking this as seriously as she needs to. Spidey, if this gives you an indication, they are telling people in the Keys get out now. I don't know about Broward or Palm Beach, but my teacher friends in Dade and Lee (Ft Myers) counties are closing Thursday and Friday. My struggle now...trying to find gas. My neighbor was at Costco, she said don't bother. Another one of my Broward friends suggested going in the middle of the night. So I may make DH get up at midnight and head to Wawa or Racetrack. This path could jog either way, and I'm usually the cool headed one, and it's got me on the freaked side.
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Sept 5, 2017 23:17:01 GMT
have a question for the FL peas. My mom is in West Palm beach. Finally talked to her today and she is saying they are waiting till Thursday to leave....Is that when everyone else is bugging out? She seems to be not concerned about this in the least and IM really worried she is not taking this as seriously as she needs to. It's still a little early to know for sure whether Irma will go near them or not or maybe I should say when. Sunday is the earliest expected and it may take longer than that. It's a real mental game to prepare yourself to evacuate. If she's talking about leaving, she is taking this seriously. I tried to reply earlier but the boards were down. Thank you for this! I haven't been watching the news for a few days and wasn't aware of this hurricane. I talked to her yesterday and she didn't even mention it. There were other conversations with family members that had us collectively concerned about her lack of reaction. I come by it honestly apparently thank goodness for the peas
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Sept 5, 2017 23:20:14 GMT
She said they went out today to get supplies and shelves were empty and lines were extremely long. She sounded tired from the experience.
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Sept 5, 2017 23:22:04 GMT
We are very concerned in Tampa. She's missing too many opportunities to turn...
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Irma Peas
Sept 5, 2017 23:26:10 GMT
via mobile
Post by Dani-Mani on Sept 5, 2017 23:26:10 GMT
have a question for the FL peas. My mom is in West Palm beach. Finally talked to her today and she is saying they are waiting till Thursday to leave....Is that when everyone else is bugging out? She seems to be not concerned about this in the least and IM really worried she is not taking this as seriously as she needs to. Spidey, if this gives you an indication, they are telling people in the Keys get out now. I don't know about Broward or Palm Beach, but my teacher friends in Dade and Lee (Ft Myers) counties are closing Thursday and Friday. My struggle now...trying to find gas. My neighbor was at Costco, she said don't bother. Another one of my Broward friends suggested going in the middle of the night. So I may make DH get up at midnight and head to Wawa or Racetrack. This path could jog either way, and I'm usually the cool headed one, and it's got me on the freaked side. Aren't you in tampa? Town n Country still has a lot of stations with gas; I just got back from a Labor Day trip and filled up today. But that line was insane when I went by later...
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Sept 5, 2017 23:28:37 GMT
I am phase 1 in the Tampa evacuation zone. I have enough money to get a plane ticket and go stay with friends for a while. I work for the school district and am awaiting their decision to close or not.
I grew up on the east coast and no hurricane has scared me like this one. This is not a storm I intend to take my chances with.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Sept 5, 2017 23:33:35 GMT
Spidey, if this gives you an indication, they are telling people in the Keys get out now. I don't know about Broward or Palm Beach, but my teacher friends in Dade and Lee (Ft Myers) counties are closing Thursday and Friday. My struggle now...trying to find gas. My neighbor was at Costco, she said don't bother. Another one of my Broward friends suggested going in the middle of the night. So I may make DH get up at midnight and head to Wawa or Racetrack. This path could jog either way, and I'm usually the cool headed one, and it's got me on the freaked side. Aren't you in tampa? Town n Country still has a lot of stations with gas; I just got back from a Labor Day trip and filled up today. But that line was insane when I went by later... I ended up at the Wawa on Waters, since it's right off the expressway and got in and out without an issue. Good tip!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Sept 5, 2017 23:34:18 GMT
Just watched the weather report here and were saying some of the latest models are taking it up the East coast, taking dead aim on Wilmington, NC. If I were anywhere from Florida to the Carolinas, I'd be keeping a close eye on Irma, as well as making preparations. Good luck to all of you in Irma's path. Here's hoping she turns and heads back out to sea.
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Post by LilyRose on Sept 5, 2017 23:37:05 GMT
While I don't live in FL (and I'm happy I don't have to worry about possible evacuation), my mother and I just purchased a vacation home on the Gulf coast in May. We're not there to fully secure everything (although we do have a home watch company to do the major portion of that). I'm a little sick at the thought of this home I've owned for a few months might be damaged. Again, though, as I told my mom today, "we are safe, we don't have a lot of personal possessions there yet, and our problems are small to those whose lives are there." I'm thinking of my new neighbors, especially the sweet 94 year old woman across the street who is a sweetheart. I'm thinking deeply of all of you there.
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Post by betty on Sept 5, 2017 23:42:48 GMT
Kissimmee...no water left at Wal-Mart, Publix, Speedway or the Dollar tree today when I went out. Gas lines were bad today but are better this evening. Checkout lines were long everywhere I went.
The South to North track right up the center of Florida would go right over us but no one seems sure where it is going at this time. We are stocked up with 2 liter bottles of ice in the freezer and gallons jugs of water on hand. We got out some camping lanterns, the propane stove, gas cans, etc tonight to get ready.
I'll secure all the outdoor stuff tomorrow and Thursday. Dh will head up on the roof Friday after work to check it over and put some sealant around our vents that tend to leak when the rain drives in from a certain direction. We tried some foam vent plugs during Matthew but they blew right out. We also dug a drainage ditch before Matthew to help water flow away from the back of the house & patio so my son will make sure the pipe is clear.
And then we just wait & see.
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