Preparing for Hurricane Frances. She's A Big One!
Sep 02 '04
The Bottom Line Listen to the forecast and do as you are told to do by your local officials.
Coming off of Hurricane Charley I don't think anyone in the fine State of Florida are going to take a chance. I know we are not.
Of course the projected path is currently changing every 6 hours because there is just so much uncertainty with this storm. For instance, last night when I went to bed they had projected her to come on shore around Daytona putting the eye dead center of me. This morning that path is now showing a possible landfall at Fort Pierce Florida bringing the eye West of me. This would be good for us because by the time she got her she would be a CAT 2, possible 3 (but not likely because of her speed movement once hitting land.) However, there are models still showing her coming on land even closer to us here in the Jacksonville area, which would still be bad for me. So as you can see there is no certainly about this storm at all accept that it is huge.
Currently she is a CAT 4 and may even reach a CAT 5 status. Where ever she comes on shore the damage will be massive, worse than Charley even if anyone can believe that.
The East side of a hurricane is always the worse side with the exception of the eye of course. Hardly ever is the West side of the storm as bad. With this storm we are going to be hit one way or the other. Unless of course the "high" that is currently out in the Atlantic weakens faster, then the storm will move upwards and SC will be in danger.
All of this said to remind those of us who are in these areas to prepare.
1) If your local police say get out, then get out and don't hesitate. Be prepared to leave a moments notice.
2) People in mobile homes, like us, need to listen very carefully for these warnings. Mobile homes are not safe for anyone with winds 70 plus miles per hour. GET OUT!
3) Take all of your important papers with you. Wills, Living Wills, Insurance papers on your home and vehicles, Tax records, Prescriptions, Medications, Clothing, Blankets, Pillows, Food (for a couple of days), Flashlights, Batteries, Lantern (if you have one), Gas up your vehicles, Get Cash, Playing Cards or other games, Magazines, Books, Bibles, Bible Studies, (ya'll know I will have mine), any jewelry that may not be replaceable, Christmas gifts you may have bought up to date, Birthday gifts, (not that these things will be on your mind but when the time comes you will be glad you got them.) Any antiques that you can take with you.
4) Pictures and photo albums or at least the negatives if you have them. If not grab some pictures that cannot be replaced.
5) Know your evacuation route and shelters in your area.
6) Shelters will not take pets so make preparations for them.
7) Remember, that while at a shelter that your stuff will only be a safe as it can be in your vehicle, so don't worry about it. What will be will be.
8) In a shelter, follow the rules, pitch in and help out. Set good Godly examples for all to see.
9) Don't panic. This will make it worse for all those involved in your home and around you.
10) A radio with working batteries is a must as well.
11) WATER!!! Start gathering now if you haven't started already. If you are going to ride out the storm, the day of expected landfall fill all tubs with water. This will allow you to flush toilets and take washcloth bathes for a few days.
12) If you have grill get some charcoal and lighter fluid.
13) Should you remain with your home and loose power, do not constantly open your refrigerator, make a list of what you need out, get it and close that door.
14) Try to have some fruits to eat after the storm; these will help to keep you in tact.
15) Buy non-perishable items. If you are going to get sandwich things make sure you have ice. Start gathering ice now while you can.
16) Get your coolers and get them close by so you can use them. Make sure they are clean.
17) Take pictures of your home inside and out. This will help the insurance adjusters make a faster claim for you. This I am doing today. Make sure you have batteries for the camera for after pictures as well. If you need to charge batteries, now is the time to do it.
18) Make sure your cell phone is charged up and that you have a car charger for future charges.
19) Make sure that you have things for the little ones to do to keep them busy and not worrying about the home or mom and dad.
20) Secure your home as best you can. Tape or board your windows. Remove any objects from the yard that can cause anyone or anything damage.
21) Take off the trash.
22) Wash up all the clothes and get your suitcases ready to pack.
23) Grab some toilet paper just in case you need it later. Paper towels or napkins or Kleenex as well.
24) Remember, if you loose your home or have damage, you are not the only one. Don't be anxious. Wait your turn, for it will come. Help others and yourself by staying calm, cool and collected.
25) Don't get angry with others while leaving the area. They too, are afraid and want to leave. Don't be a bully, be polite and let someone in front of you if needed. SHARE THE ROADS!
26) It is okay to be afraid. If you were not then you are not human.
27) Don't wait until the last minute to gather up things. Do it now and be ready to leave when needed.
I am sure that I may have missed some things but I have tried not to. So, anyone else, please add to it.
Hurricanes are a beautiful, dangerous act of nature that no one can stop. They are scary to say the least. When you know one is coming you get nervous. This is a nature way to feel so don't deny it. But, you must remain calm. You must take a deep breath and realize that what is going to be is going to be. Keep your faith and trust and all will work out.
There are others around you that are also feeling the same way. Tempers can and do rise during these times. Try to roll it off for anger will get no one anywhere.
Many tears are shed before and after a hurricane. Shed yours too. It's okay to cry.
Wait your turn in line; you will get what you need.
Remember that the American Red Cross and FEMA are working as hard as they can to get help to you. Be patient.
Also, you need to realize that it will take a day or so to get those things to you so be prepared on your own for a couple of days.
I know with me, and this may be silly to some, but I think you ladies will understand, I am cleaning my home before I go. I guess because in my mind I want the house clean for the hurricane...lol..silly isn't it? But, that is just the way it is. I guess I want it to have a clean place should the storm take it.
Please make sure all your important papers are in order. If you don't have insurance, it is to late now to get it or to late to increase your policy. Afterwards you may want to consider taking out more.
Remember, God loves you and He has a greater plan for us all. Trust Him and know in your heart that He allows all things to happen for His Glory, even storms. Pray, trust, keep the faith, be patient and wait on Him to fix things. Of course, this is easier said than done.
As the minutes tick away try to stay busy to keep your mind off things. Life does go on and we must go with it. Hurricanes and all.
God Bless and I hope this has helped in some kind of way!
Leah and family.
PS. THINK SMART, NOT STUPID!
ŠLKD 2004
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