Evacuate a wood-frame house built in '81 in Marion County???

[whartonia]

I know this really isn't a storm prep site, but where else could you find more Floridians with a good sense of storm damage, but here at S2K?

I'm here with my 2 little kids in south Marion County. I've boarded up the windows and have all the necessary supplies. I'm concerned if a wood-frame house can handle the 70mph winds that Tom Terry is forcasting for us (it was built in 1981). I went to the shelter for Frances. We lost a few small tree limbs, but our neighborhood did lose quite a few older trees. I have one large oak tree about 20 feet behind the house and a few smaller trees in the front.

Just confused at the moment. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Neesa

[Mister Popps]

You should be fine.

[arlwx]

If your oak tree is large enough to fall on your house if uprooted by a nasty tornado or something, I would play it safe and get to the nearest public shelter that is open ((if one IS)) to wait this out. Another problem is Frances may have saturated the soil enough that even a relatively weakened Jeanne may be enough to pull trees over ((seen that with straight-line thunderstorms during soggy seasons in the midAtlantic)). But it is YOUR call.

[jes]

I was like you - it took me until the last moment to finally evacuate when Ivan hit. I live inland in a very strong house ---- You have two small children and if you will be there alone with them it will be very scary. Why take the chance - especially if you don't have to travel far.

[soonertwister]

This is just my opinion, but I'm not an expert, so take my advice as such.

If you are truly expecting only 70 mph winds I wouldn't worry too much about your house. It sounds like you've taken all the appropriate measures to protect yourself and kids.

And about that oak. If it is a reasonably healthy tree, and not VERY old, the likelihood of it falling in those winds is really quite small. Oaks, unlike many other trees in FL, have pretty extensive root systems that should protect against toppling.

[HurricaneQueen]

Whatever you decide, good luck. I know it's a difficult decision to make as shelters don't look like much fun. However, the children may enjoy being with other kids. Being couped up with children in the dark of night can be a very scary experience. (Why do they always seem to hit at night???) If the track changes at the last minute, it may be too late to move.

Lynn

[karenfromheaven]

Well, it's not like the oak is right next to your house. If it comes down, part of the canopy will hit the house (assuming it falls exactly toward the house) and part of the canopy will hit the ground, absorbing some of the impact. You could take care to stay out of that portion of the house closest to the tree.

A shelter full of anxious strangers could be a scary place too, I imagine. Do you have pets that depend on you? Would the shelter accept them? I think the kids will take their cue from how you are reacting to the unfolding events. I would feel comfortable in a wood house in Cat 1 winds, especially with the windows boarded up. Cat 3 or higher would be another matter... Karen

[BEER980]

I am not sure where in the south part of the county you are. I live in the Shores area. If you are near me you could go to Lake Weir High School shelter. Belleview Middle School & Dunnellon High School are other options. I would look at the tree and compare the wind direction for your area. If it looks like it would fall away from the house I would stay but you will have to decide for yourself how risky it is. Chances are you will be ok but remember it will be much stronger wind this time compared to Frances. We lost power for a week here in the Shores and internet cable for 11 days. There are plenty of roof repairs needed out in this area and the plastic in place will not last too long I think. I fear we will see extensive roof damage here in the county.

[sea oat]

since you have 2 children i would leave. a wood frame house does not offer much protection.