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Originally Posted by Michael 61
As this is my first summer as a resident here in The Villages, I was wondering what (if anything) people do to prepare for hurricane season here in The Villages. I know we are usually out of harm’s way, but Ian was initially forecasted to track right over The Villages last year, before deviating south. Most people I ask, sorta laugh it off, and don’t really do anything to prepare. I keep canned goods and water on hand as a contingency measure, having lived through the Loma Prieta earthquake of San Francisco in 1989, and the Waldo Canyon fire of Colorado Springs of 2012. I’m thinking I should buy a battery operated radio. Would keeping some empty sandbags or inflatable water barrier protection be prudent? Interested on what some of the “old-timers” who have lived here for years do. Thanks!
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I lived on the coast of Florida for 23 years. If you have a direct hit, there is no amount of planning that will help. Pack your small prized possessions, mementos, and important papers and get the hell out! Do not stay if you are under mandatory evacuation. It is a fool's game! You can not compete with Mother Nature.
The absolute WORST thing that happens if you are not directly hit is your electricity may be out for days and even weeks. Your house is hot as hell, you have no way to keep food, you can't do laundry, keeping a charge on your phone is a chore...etc etc.
I have learned to keep small battery or solar operated lanterns which can also charge your phone. And to make certain my gas tank in vehicle is full. There have been times we needed to sit in it just to get some A/C. When purchasing a vehicle, I buy one that I can easily pack items valuable to me. I have never gone to a shelter. Always drove inland to friends /family home. Make sure you have an evacuation plan! We had a routine set. Take perishible food with you and plan on eating that keeping it on ice for as long as you can. We fill the washer with ice. It was something we learned while watching hurricane prep. And, fill your bathtub with water so you can flush the toilet. No bathtub? Fill large buckets or containers. Also, fill containers that you can use for drinking or cooking.
Many will say we are out of harm"s way here in the Villages. To tell you the truth, it was a primary reason I chose this location. Tired of packing and taking care of the home every hurricane season.
But, NEVER feel 100% safe! Stay off the streets and hunker down during the hurricane! People have died from falling trees, debris, and just the inability to see clearly through the heavy rains.
Once everything has settled, if you live within 100 miles of a city that was destroyed by a hurricane, you will find your grocery stores short on supplies. This is when you will be glad you have an extra supply in your home. The shortage can last for months! Just adjust and buy what is available. Do not be THAT PERSON who hogs the supplies. Then everything must be placed on a limit purchase of one. Annoying for everyone!
I can not completely describe the absolute discomfort of "when the storm had passed.'. PLEASE! Keep supplies in your home for this reason. You will be glad you did!