Reply #60: Stay alert, stay safe, and don't panic.

[Baclava]

If the storm is a strong Cat 3, Cat 4 or 5 hurricane approaching the first coast, I would recommend anyone East of 95 think about evacuating. Remember, these storms are very difficult to predict where exact landfall will occur. Don't gamble with it.

People that live within 10mi of the coast where the eye of the storm will hit are at ground zero .... EVACUATE. Brick or mobile home, it does not matter. That area is toast & the power will be out for 5-7 days. Take those things that can't be replaced like pictures & documents & go stay at a motel during that time far enough away. Don't be in a rush to get back. It's not going anywhere & you will have time to take care of your family & get some basic supplies in another town.

Go AWAY from the path of the storm, no one can predict exactly what these storms will do & the damage via wind or water that will occur. A direct hit and all of the hype is 100% accurate. Will buying batteries & 30 gallons of water make everything better - NO! Remember, without power there is NO water, because most of the water is pumped through stations using e-l-e-c-t-r-i-c-i-t-y!

If you decide to ride it out and do survive a Major storm, there is not much to after a storm but wallow in the misery. You will have no power (for up to weeks), have no water, and be completely surrounded by a warzone environment. It is not a fun place to be. The devastation will be there for months and you will see more than enough of it after the town gets established again.

Now if you are not at ground zero, flooding & moderate wind damage is the problem. If your area has ponding of water during occasional storms, then you are going to have some problems. You are going to have about 12 hours notice at the max for a real accurate forecast of the storm's course. If you are north & east of the storm the worst part is headed for you. Ex: If the storm hit St, Augustine straight on, JAX would get hit very hard but Daytona would only have about a 1/10th of the damage.