Wilma - Biggest storm ever

[IronWolf]

Ah. That's, um, not good under the current projected path...
Best of luck to them - I hope the storm changes course.

Yeah, I am hoping the storm either lessens or changes course. Heard news from them tonight and apparently they aren't planning on leaving at this point in time. They are keeping an eye on it of course, so we'll see what happens.

 

[der_kluge]

This is clearly a sign from God

that he hates Florida

 

[Rel]

that he hates Florida

Or manufactured housing.

 

[Umbran]

The problem with leaving early is that a hurricane can shift dramatically. So if you go to, say, Alabama, you could find the storm changes course, and misses Florida entirely, and pummels Alabama.

While possible, it is becoming less and less likely, as the meteorologists get better and better at prediction.

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

For some odd reason, I'm not really afraid of hurricanes at all. I know they can be dangerous, but I've lived here in Florida long enough that I know what to do and what not to do.

Sort of like a Midwesterner and tornadoes?

I've had two hurricanes come through here since I moved to the DC area, and neither was particularly threatening. The one back in '98 or '99 didn't even knock out my power, and the one in '02 barely had any rain, but did knock out the power for several days, which was kind of annoying. In both cases I had enough elevation to not be vulnerable to any sort of storm surge.

Brad

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I forget which black comedian proposed it, but what if hurricanes are the spirits of dead slaves come back to torment the decendants of their opressors?

 

[Del]

I forget which black comedian proposed it, but what if hurricanes are the spirits of dead slaves come back to torment the decendants of their opressors?

That reminds me. I gotta take Danielle to The Fog. The original was the first movie I wanted to see that I wasn't allowed to. Never did watch it.

 

[William Ronald]

I am keeping everyone in the path of Hurricane Wilma in my thoughts. This storm is truly surprising in its power.

Are EN World's servers in the path of the hurricane?

 

[Del]

Here are the following hurricane preparation tips from Red Cross dot Org. The link has better formatting:

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_253_,00.html


Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean

WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Take these items with you when evacuating:

Prescription medications and medical supplies;
Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
Car keys and maps
Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:

First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Prepare for High Winds

Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home.

Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued

Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

Complete preparation activities.

If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.

Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
Inspect your home for damage.
Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
Power Outage Safety
Food Safety
Chainsaw Safety
Portable Generator Safety
Water treatment:
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:

"Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage" (PDF File) (ARC 5023)
"Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
"Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash Flood?" (ARC 4458)
"Are You Ready for a Tornado?" (ARC 4457)
"Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)
Materials for Children:

"Jason and Robin's Awesome Hurricane Adventure" workbook (ARC 5044) and video (ARC 5044V) designed for children in grades 4-6.
"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish (PDF File)) by children ages 3-10.
"Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
"After the Storm" Coloring Book (ARC 2206, English, or ARC 2206S, Spanish)

 

[Dagger75]

I am keeping everyone in the path of Hurricane Wilma in my thoughts. This storm is truly surprising in its power.

Are EN World's servers in the path of the hurricane?

I think the servers are in Ft Myers? I could be wrong but I thought I heard that once or twice.

Last year with all the hurricanse blowing over my apartment I never lost power or phone cable. I am pretty far inland and not by any rivers so I am not worried about flooding.