Need advice on evacs for personal reasons, help me out!

[Dmetal81]

I know this is an odd question to ask, but I have a good reason

This is alot of assuming, and conjecture, and I know no answer can be absolute. I have to get into central florida (Daytona Beach) before evacuations start this week (assuming they do and Daytona beach comes under a direct threat). The reason behind is this my whole family lives in Daytona, and I have 3 houses to shutter up (yes ScottVa, Ive read your posts, and we do it the correct way!) personal belonging to move out of a mobile home and to a more secure location, a whole slew family (young and elderly) to get to a more secure location inland. Also, due to Charlie last week, their hurricane supplies have been depleted completely (my sister was out of power for 7 days) and I will be bringing them those also. I know that common sense would say leave tomorrow to prepare, but unfortunately my employer doesnt see it that way and after this is all over I will have to go back to work.

So, whats the latest suggested with the current forecast figured in that I could get down there before they start the evacuations? The last thing I want to do is to start on down there and increase the mess of evacuations by going the WRONG direction. Yes, I know its not wise to drive into the path of a hurricane, but if everything is prepared properly I'll be in a secure home (built under Post-Andrew codes) about 25 miles inland with fitted storm shutters.

Any constructive advice would be grateful, although I have been through quite a few brushes down there (Floyd was interesting), I have never dreamed no desired to see a Cat 3 or higher up close.

[btsgmdad]

Forecasts seem to indicate Friday/Saturday landfall. Good luck with your family and preparations.

My 100th post.

[KeyLargoDave]

My 2cents, I think you need to be there early Thursday to have that whole day for shuttering and packing and moving, and then be able to get everyone to safety on Friday. The NHC track is showing Saturday 8 p.m. for the storm to get to 28 N.

Of course, increase in forward speed could really thow a spanner in the works.

Good luck.

[anjou]

I'd be looking around to delegate - really... especially with stuff that is just being dropped off somewhere. Pay off or cajole a relative or someone you know to deliver the stuff Tuesday... it's admirable that you're so conscientious but don't let it win you a well-meaning Darwin award... remember to help yourself too.

Can anything be shipped 2-day, starting Tues. a.m. or even by train or bus? If cost isn't an object, would flying from one location to the other be practical? (It usually isn't, but just in case...)

Take care.

(And I'd anticipate heavy traffic starting maybe late Wednesday or early Thursday. I could be wrong on that though.. who knows whether the masses will think of Charley and try to exit... it's a tough call locationally at this point.)

[Dmetal81]

Thanks for the advice, I like the mailing one the best, i think we'll fedex the photo albums and such sometime wednesday if this continues to pan out as is. As for heading down there, it would be necessary either way in order for all the work on the houses to be done before the storm hits, thats main reason in going first place. Also, im the "responsible" son who always knows what to do, and it was impossible to say no to my pleading mother who is right now not looking at much objectively (shes kind of in denial seeing as how she also signed the claim papers on the insurance for the damage from charlie today as well), and I dont trust them at this point to make a sound judgement as whether or not to "stay" or "go". Hence the whole reason to get their as close to prior to any evacuation as possible. Although I am not looking forward to sitting on I-95 for 16 hours, if it comes to leaving, I'd like to take them when the order is given if deemed necessary.


KeylargoDave SHHHHHH! Any increase in forward speed would really mess things up...