Hey Floridians...

[Steve]

Are you leaving or holing up with friends or family? If you're staying, what have you stocked up for the storm? Knowing we're within 48 hours of probable landfall, you're probably finishing up your emergency preparations. If you've decided to stay, what exactly are you going to do to protect your property? If you're convinced that you are out of the sphere of danger, what's your drink/smoke/etc. of choice - coffee, tea, water, beer, liquor, hemlock?

Also, what have you stocked up on in case the food supply and power is interrupted for several days? We usually buy extra charcoal and lighter fluid to have on hand in case the refrigerator-freezer goes out (we don't have a generator at my house). That way, all the frozen meat and seafood can be cooked instead of just thrown out.

Something I do, and it's gotta get done again since we bought a new house after last season is put my disaster kit near or in my attic. It consists of a flashlight, lighter & extra pack of cigs, first aid kit, and hatchet in case I need to chop my way out through the roof. That might sound funny, but they found many claw marks on ceilings in St. Bernard Parish after Hurricane Betsy. When you get caught in massive flooding, sometimes the only way out is up. My mom always kept a bottle of holy water handy. I'd bet I could still find that at her house

Looking forward to responses. I don't care if they're serious or jovial since we all deal with storms in different ways.

Steve

[schmita]

My sisters live about 30 miles inland from Palm Beach. They are not concerned. I am. If Charley has Tropical Force Winds extending out over 100+ miles, shouldn't the east coasters or the inland people be more concerned?

I have my hurricane kit already down here. We too have charcoal ready. Oil lamps, flashlights, water, radio, first aid etc.

Thanks
I

[SeaBrz_FL]

I bookmarked this site a couple years ago. HERE's an extreme survival kit, especially if you have to leave the house:

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc_pages/04_ ... _full.html

[SeaBrz_FL]

Meant to mention this great tip that I read on another board last week:

Since dishwashers (the appliance, not the person ) are waterproof, they make a great storage space for important papers, etc. They also float. Just make sure to put everything in plastic storage bags first since there is likely residual moisture inside and securely close the latch. Also make sure to include a tag/sign inside with your name, address, and phone numbers.

Thought this made a lot of sense for flood-endangered areas.

[mf_dolphin]

We're moving out to stay with family. Only 9 ft above sea level here.

[Aimless]

25 miles from the east coast in Volusia Co... and staying put... but yard is cleared, plywood at the ready ( depending on forcast tomorrow), water jugs filled, papers filed and stored ( safe), perscriptions filled, alternate medical facilities for my parents lined up, car filled, generator tested and ready to go , have more can goods than needed...and a 6 pack of Killians Red:-)

[SeaBrz_FL]

I swear this storm is giving me ADHD! To actually ANSWER your original question ... (LOL):

Staying home for this one since I'm on the east coast, but I'm also fairly ready to leave if needed later on since I'm on a barrier island. Filled the car with gas a little while ago.

Filled up the propane tank for the gas grill, and picked up 5 gallons of water. Also purchased a lot of batteries since the store had a great sale. Bought a tarp since it was also dirt cheap and threw several bungy cords in the cart. I have decided to secure my outdoor furniture to the deck/fence for Charley rather than bring it in. Didn't need food -- I have plenty of canned goods, coffee, and frozen stuff.

After all the important stuff was taken care of, I made a beeline for the liquor store and stocked up on wine and smokes for me and beer for friends.

Weather here has gone from partly cloudy to squalls within the last 2 hours. Was very strange how quick it happened. I drove back from the store and had to maneuver around downed palm fronds all over the roads. Glad I got the shopping out of the way!

[schmita]

How wide is Florida in the peninsula area?

[aussielvr]

Seabrz--

Had to laugh at your reply about the wine and smokes! --
Since I made my "liquid refreshment" purchases today too! I'm here on the east coast also, so my hurricane kit for this one is my wine and a good book!!!!

Seriously though, I wish everyone on the west coast good luck and stay safe.

[Aimless]

I think it is 225 miles at it's widest. I recall an ad campaign that stated you were never further than 112 miles from a beach. seems about right.

[Guest]

We're moving out to stay with family. Only 9 ft above sea level here.

Glad to hear you're leaving. I've been worried about you and your family. Stay safe Marshall.
...Jennifer...

[southerngale]

Meant to mention this great tip that I read on another board last week:

Since dishwashers (the appliance, not the person ) are waterproof, they make a great storage space for important papers, etc. They also float. Just make sure to put everything in plastic storage bags first since there is likely residual moisture inside and securely close the latch. Also make sure to include a tag/sign inside with your name, address, and phone numbers.

Thought this made a lot of sense for flood-endangered areas.

Never thought of that! Thanks for sharing.

[Miss Mary]

Meant to mention this great tip that I read on another board last week:

Since dishwashers (the appliance, not the person ) are waterproof, they make a great storage space for important papers, etc. They also float. Just make sure to put everything in plastic storage bags first since there is likely residual moisture inside and securely close the latch. Also make sure to include a tag/sign inside with your name, address, and phone numbers.

Thought this made a lot of sense for flood-endangered areas.

Never thought of that! Thanks for sharing.

SeaBrz_FL - never would have thought of that in a million years! But very good advice just the same. I think I'll remember that if I know of anyone evacuating b/c of flooding threat.

Thanks for posting that. And like someone before me, I laughed too at your run to the liquor store....somewhere on my list would be beer no doubt. LOL

Mary

[medic8ed]

Heck, wine and cigarettes came high on my list! Powerless nights
can be long, long, long.

I learned my lesson in a blizzard a few years ago when I lived in NY.
I was at work, and a housemate called me to make sure I would kick-in
on the house emergency Keg. It made all the difference once we were
under 60 inches.

I won't be drinking (much) so I can stay on my toes during the storm
itself, but in the aftermatch I plan to get very toasty.