Hurricane drill?? what do you think?

Question

im in florida right where T.S. fay is heading brevard county to me this is all a drill for the people who have not been in a "real hurricane" what are some things you would tell people not to forget or what should they do i was here for all the storms in 2004 only thing i learned is WAIT IT OUT!

Answer 1

I would tell people to be ready no matter what, before any storm comes towards florida... I learned my lesson during hurricane wilma because I wasn't ready enough and when I went to buy the supplies that I needed, it was already too late, there was barely nothing on the markets and the lines for gas were horrendous.  

Answer 2

First, I am glad it was not as bad as it was supposed to be for you.

Living in Louisiana, NEVER, and I do mean NEVER take any of these things God or Mother Nature or whomever give us as a drill.

I went through Rita safely out of harms way, but the destruction I viewed upon my return home (over a month later) was beyond what anyone can imagine, and Rita was "not all that bad" in the part where I live.

I think you should remember these things:

Mortgage paperwork

Birth Certificates

Marriage License

Pets and all their food and toys (keeps them entertained, they're scared and "lost" too!)

Pictures

Insurance cards (vehicle and health)

Bank statement and check booklets

Gas

and GET OUT EARLY, I know it sounds dumb due to gas prices, but I'd rather "feel" dumb to have left than be stuck in the LINES of cars and people, and the mad-house I seen on tv when Rita came through here.  (I was already far away!)

And as I sit here making your list, try not to think of everything you'd have to replace, BUT, be thankful that you have your family and pets and life!

Answer 3

One - always be cautious - better safe than sorry - if you ponder something for a while (i.e. stay or leave, secure it or leave it out, park it on higher ground or leave it be) always take the cautious approach.

Two - tropical storms and category 1 hurricanes can be waited out, if in a safe location which is at least a mile from a beach, has no wheels (mobile homes and cars), and a room without windows.

Three - secure outdoor items that can catch wind like a sail - welcome mat, plywood, umbrellas, trash cans, trash can lids, lawn and patio furniture, tarps, trampolines, hanging potted plants, and pets.  Generally 2x4's, ladders, large potted plants, and a portable basketball goal can be safe if laid on the ground.  

Four - avoid the traffic rush 1-2 days before landfall by leaving earlier than that or about 12 hours before a hurricane will reach your area because hurricane forecasts are not very accurate and you can drive faster than any hurricane. Also, leaving too soon is like crying wolf and your or others evacuating with you will grow tired of that and be more likely to wait out the one they should really evacuate for.

Five - keep some supplies like a gallon of water and crank-generator flashlight so you don't get caught trying to shop at a store with empty shelves a day before a hurricane.  

Six - if you must shop for supplies a day before a hurricane, consider all the alternatives of what is sold out.  There are many canned and raw fruits and vegetables you can eat without cooking.  There are also crackers, breakfast bars, and dry cereal.  When you cannot find bottled water, check home improvement and office supply stores or buy bottled and canned juices for drinking and save water in a bathtub for washing.