Betty and Nancy,
I haven’t posted in so long, but I could not let the day go by without adding our names to those that are concerned for you both. I imagine the rain bands will be reaching you soon, if they haven’t already. As someone who puts up their hurricane shutters 2-3 times a year, my advice would have been to GET OUT! I understand your decision to stay, we always do, too. Of course, we’re emergency personnel, so we really have no choice. I know by tonight you may become a little stir crazy. We always wait until the last possible moment before we put the final shutter on our rear slider, once that sliver of light is gone it is such an ominous feeling. I truly think the waiting period is the worst of it all!
I don’t want to add to your distress, but please don’t think that a strong Cat. 3 is a vast improvement. If the sustained winds are at 125mph, the gusts will be incredible. I know we are all so thankful that you may be spared a direct hit.
Over the years my “hurricane necessity” list has changed a bit. I’m sure you are as prepared as you can be at this point, but here’s my two cents anyway: If no plywood is available, make sure there is nothing in your yard that will become airborne and end up in your living room. This includes things that you believe would never move, such as small tool sheds (yes, they fly), what you believe to be heavy patio furniture, etc. This includes inspecting your neighbor’s yard and “helping” them clear their yard of debris. It burns me up when my neighbors leave “heavy” items out. Our neighbors argued that their teak storage trunk was too heavy to move, well it did (during our Cat.1 Katrina, thank goodness). Much to their chagrin it ended up in their pool, in pieces, no less. Trim the trees so the air can move through them and park cars in the garage, if possible. If not, park them right up against the garage. Down here we’re all so hurricane “screwy” that many park their vehicles parallel, up against the garage. If you have a storm drain near your home, take it upon yourself to clear it of any debris. Lock all the windows and doors securely; check the attic for vents or openings that could allow the pressure to “blow the top off.” Have a battery operated radio handy, we’ve found that they usually pick up through it all. During Andrew in ’92, it was comforting to hear the broadcasters. They would let us know when the eye was passing over (what a calm and eerie sensation), and would say “in the next ten minutes a heavy squall will be passing over,” so you kinda knew what to expect. Lots and lots of batteries and flashlights. I have pretty much done away with candles, the heat becomes unbearable. S.FLA is like Houston – HOT. If you have a laptop, charge it! Turn the frig, freezer, and the a/c wayyyyy down. If the power goes out it will give you a little extra coolness. Don’t open anything; maybe the frozen food will remain frozen, if it doesn’t stay out too long. Do ALL your laundry, if it’s hot and there’s no power, you will change clothes often. Take a shower, fix your hair, shave your legs, etc. Clean your home, you will wish you did later. WATER WATER WATER – fill the tubs, fill as many containers as you can find. Don’t forget about ice, you WILL want it! Fill containers and freeze them. I know you guys probably have enough non-perishable food. Don’t forget about gas for the grill. If everything starts defrosting, cook whatever you can. I have gone so far as to remove the pictures, wall hangings, etc. off the exterior walls. May sound crazy, but when your walls start shaking and your liqueur cabinet starts clanking, you get a little nervous. Ditto, if you have little knick knacks on your windowsills. Bug spray! As in repellent for yourself. Camera – take before pics, you may need after pics, too. Important phone numbers (Ins. Co.), your valuable documents, etc. in waterproof containers, or Tupperware or plastic “glad” bags, at the very least. Most importantly, some sort of libation, you WILL wish you had it!
I hope this is not too gloomy of a post; I am just anxious for you guys and so hope that all the preparations Texas has made will pay off.
I just heard that the levees were breached in NO……if we can just make it through November.
:( :( John and I will be thinking of you and hope it will be all over before you know it....or, before you develop a hangover ;)