[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by mark47

I've been in Florida 22 years and have always been advised to run.

There is a huge difference between being on the coast and being as far inland as is TV.

Chances are, there would be far more injuries from 50,000 people fleeing TV than from them all staying put, having taken the precautions advised in the posts above.

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Our house is always available for you two and Barney.

Thanks Mrs. Gracie a friend in need is a friend indeed. What a beautiful offer. We will talk to you on Wednesday morning. I was thinking about Margaritaville Resort Casino in Louisiana for a couple of days but have to run that past the high command. Bless You.

[2newyorkers]

I forgot to say make/have ice.

[PennBF]

After being through some serious hurricanes I don't think the villages is exposed to anything near the beaches or some places US1. The basics make sense, (e,g, some food, water, batteries,) but not necessary to panic. The main problem would be wind and therefore maybe some tree damage? It took us more than 2 years to recover from the hurricanes we had on the coast, wind blowing sand was a serious problem and wind on the upper floors. Completely blew away the club house, flooded the pool with sand, there were 2 9 story buildings and all first floors had sand to the ceiling. First floors had "flood insurance" while the 2nd to 9th floor had wind Ins and damages. I was President of the Condo Association and had the responsibility to see the damage repaired and to restore the Club House and parking lot and lights. Also replenish the sand that was lost on the beach. I don't see this damage in the Villages but could see some heavy wind damage if it comes too close. In the end it cost almost $3M to get all back to good condition. This hurricane looks like it could bring some serious damage to where we use to live and hopefully I am wrong.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

For the refrigerator - freeze some small bottles of water or other containers to be used to cool the frige compartment despite not opening it often.

For those with a gas grill - plan a cook-out with neighbors if food starts to turn.

For the laptop/cell phone - get a car adapter that can be used for charging devices where an on-board port is available in the car or golf cart.

For those who suffer from lack of air-conditioning - freeze a few bandanas or handkerchiefs so they can be placed on the back of the neck for a cool down. The car can also be used for a short-term break from the heat.

And despite any shelters that may open [or not], facilities such as the hospital or police station will be operating on emergency back-up power and I have never know anyone suffering from lack of air conditioning to be denied a respite there if they have it.

Above all - if you have to drive during a power outage - PLEASE be especially careful when approaching traffic lights and signs - just in case the other drivers are not!

Using the car to charge things is an especially good idea. Which leads to the suggestion... fill all cars up with gas.

[tuccillo]

Today's 12Z spectral model run shows Matthew hugging the coast from West Palm to the Outer Banks and then moving out into the Atlantic to eventually pass just east of Nova Scotia. The total simulated precip for our area remains relatively light. There will be considerable northerly winds on friday - I would still estimate around 30 MPH sustained. I suspect the real storm track may be further east than the model is simulating.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

Today's 12Z spectral model run shows Matthew hugging the coast from West Palm to the Outer Banks and then moving out into the Atlantic to eventually pass just east of Nova Scotia. The total simulated precip for our area remains relatively light. There will be considerable northerly winds on friday - I would still estimate around 30 MPH sustained. I suspect the real storm track may be further east than the model is simulating.

From your lips to God's ears.

All of these posts have been very helpful. I hope that all of Florida escapes without too much damage and no deaths. As the Governor says "Homes and businesses can be rebuilt" but the loss of life is not fixable.

[Daddymac]

Storm

[Daddymac]

"Storm

[obxgal]

Having lived in the Outer Banks for for 15 years before moving down here we'll hunker down. Been through a few of them.
Already have full tank of gas in car and golf cart plus cash on hand. Just have to bring in patio furniture.
Daughter and grand kids still in the Outer Banks and we're planning on moving back up there.

[ttown]

Curious. Since our water comes gravity fed from water towers,why stock up?

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by ttown

Curious. Since our water comes gravity fed from water towers,why stock up?

In case the juice goes out.

Pumps use electricity and are needed to maintain line pressure, as just gravity can't do it.




(You were just kidding...right?)

[ttown]

Thanks. Makes sense.

[Matzy]

We (my wife and me) survived 6 times hurricanes in Southern Florida without any problems. The worst thing happens to us was when we were out of power for 7 days. No way to save frozen stuff or keep the fridge cool. National Guard delivered ice and water to certain points for pick up, but to get there you have to have a full tank of gas. No gas station was working without power, no water because the pumps had no power.

I don't think that we'll have such problems in TV, but just get prepared (well, just in case). What you should have and do, there is a list online available or you can get it at all government places, Pinellas Place (library) should have it, too.

[tuccillo]

The Villages will most likely be fine. The coastal regions of FL, GA, SC, NC, and southeastern VA, not so much. With a little good fortune, the actual track will be east of the numerical models. We will have a much better handle on things around 1 PM tomorrow.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

From your lips to God's ears.

All of these posts have been very helpful. I hope that all of Florida escapes without too much damage and no deaths. As the Governor says "Homes and businesses can be rebuilt" but the loss of life is not fixable.