All DU Floridians, please check in here....

[Awsi Dooger]

71. Southwest Miami suburbs

A couple of miles from Tropical Park.

My home was built in late 1958 with a substantial addition in 1975. Impact resistant windows and rear doors, which open to the pool. I have tall storm shutters for the front door and a side utility shed. New roof.

Regardless, I am leaving town. I am a handicapper but am not comfortable assigning odds on this one. If the storm can destroy my home I'm not sure why I should be occupying that home at the time.

All of my neighbors and friends are staying. Some of them are trying to talk me into staying. They were here for Andrew. I was not. They describe how terrible it was, like a train going through the house. But since they made it through, they are confident it will happen again.

I'm never impressed with a sample of one. Let's see, I learned that in my first week in Las Vegas. Actually much earlier.

I'm doing everything I can to secure the home but part of that preparation is boxing up some pictures and keepsakes, just in case. They will make the trip to Orlando with me, riding out Irma at my sister's home.

I am leaving a key with a trusted neighbor. When able he'll contact me and provide an update on my home and the neighborhood in general.

That will be an incredibly nerve wracking phone call or text.