When do YOU evacuate?

[CampCreekLou]

I know is way too early for this storm to decide, but what are your parameters for evacuating?

1) # of hours before landfall?
2) # of miles from landfall?
3) Expected wind speed?
4) Kids and pets involved?
5) Age of house?
6) Government required evacuation?
7) Bridges closing?

Good luck to all.

Lou
"Flying into the Storm"

[Smiling JOe]

None of the above, just a gut feeling. Given the exact same circumstances, my decision to leave or stay could vary based on an indescribable gut feeling.

[CampCreekLou]

Will you post your gut here?

Do you typically have electricity when your gut tells you to leave? :D

Lou.

[Oldtimer]

None of the above, just a gut feeling. Given the exact same circumstances, my decision to leave or stay could vary based on an indescribable gut feeling.

What's the "SJ Gutmeter" reading now? :?:

That's true about following your "gut", but since we've been lucky so far I don't want to get complacent. :confused:

[Kimmifunn]

When Kurt tells us to.

[Smiling JOe]

Will you post your gut here?

Do you typically have electricity when your gut tells you to leave? :D

Lou.

I am so last minute, that I would probably be the last one allowed to go across the bridges of Walton County, so I don't know what good that would be.

Please do not base your decision to stay or leave on my actions. That makes me feel very uncomfortable. Maybe I am nothing more than a fruitcake, and a fruitcake is no one from whom to take advice.:D

All I will say is be safe, look out for yourself, family(includes animals), friends, and neighbors. Make smart decisions using good judgement (remember that alcohol impairs judgement), be curtious and kind in the midst all of the chaos.

[Smiling JOe]

What's the "SJ Gutmeter" reading now? :?:


Well, my current gutometer is tipping into the red zone. I am leaning slightly toward the get the heck out of town plan. I wonder what New Orleans is like this time of year?

Edit: 10:30pm My gut feels a bit better now. I am not sure if it is the big margarita which I just started drinking or the storm's movement more westward. I am far from relaxing in regards to H. Katrina. I think if Katrina comes anywhere close, the Gulf-front properties will be greatly affected. New Orleans, we are thinking about you guys. I know there are a few of you SoWallers over in N.O. Be safe.:D

[CampCreekLou]

No reason to feel uncomfortable, just wondering what people consider in their decision.

How about one parameter. My guess: Expected Wind Speed?

Lou.

[Smiling JOe]

No reason to feel uncomfortable, just wondering what people consider in their decision.

How about one parameter. My guess: Expected Wind Speed?

Lou.

Wind speed is a big concern, but more importantly for me is the location where the storm will make landfall, which is typically not know until <1 day out.

[Camp Creek Kid]

By-the-way, re a post on another thread, we are not basing our decision to stay or go on what SJ decides to do. He PM'd me with concern over that comment I made. I would not STAY because he did, but I sure might LEAVE if he decided to.

We left for Ivan, stayed for Dennis. I agree with SJ, its a gut feeling. Many factors are involved--path of the storm, wind speed, what side of the storm you'll be on, what kind of shelter you have, etc. Also, you should consider how prepared you are to stay and how comfortable you'll be in the aftermath (remember no air conditioning w/o electricity). Many of the above factors cannot be determined until the last minute so it is a good idea to have an evacuation plan in place even if you are considering staying.

Also, please remember that those who stay are going against the recommendation of the emergency authorities.

[CampCreekLou]

Not to be confused with the 'Kid', I won't wait for SJ's word to go either.

But the insights are helpful!

Thanks.

Lou.

[Beachlover2]

How soon before landfall do they usually call for evacuation? Will they probably be doing this tonight or tomorrow?

[Camp Creek Kid]

I recognize your avatar. Are you here?

[kurt]

If you are in a low area or anywhere near the Gulf - DO NOT STAY.

Most injuries and deaths (other than drownings) are from accidents before, during and after a storm. Falling trees, live power lines, car accidents, chain saw incidents, etc.

Do not run a generator indoors, or in a garage or other enclosed space. Do not grill or use a propane stove indoors.

During a storm, emergency personnel can not help you. A minor incident could be life threatening, especially with children, the elderly, or those with special needs.

Even if you survive a storm, being in a devestated area without power or other services can make your life miserable.

We have dodged a couple of bullets. Do not have a false sense of security.

[kurt]

I recognize your avatar. I you here?

Go meet your neighbor. ;-)

[Camp Creek Kid]

How soon before landfall do they usually call for evacuation? Will they probably be doing this tonight or tomorrow?


As soon as possible--when they get a better idea of where it is going. Looks like all the computer models are in agreement that Katrina is coming to visit us. Some good advice I got once--reserve a hotel room west of the track and one east of the track. When there is a better idea of where Katrina is going, cancel one room and head to the other.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Go meet your neighbor. ;-)


I've met my neighbor--he just had a different name!

[Smiling JOe]

To Kurt's list, I will add to stay out of the water ie - Gulf , Bay, and Lakes, after the storm. There is hidden debris out there that could put you six feet under, also, there is risk of contamination from the septic systems.

[Kimmifunn]

Well, my current gutometer is tipping into the red zone. I am leaning slightly toward the get the heck out of town plan. I wonder what New Orleans is like this time of year?

I hear the Handgrenades are a beautiful shade of green... :biggrin:

[pgurney]

My plan has been to get out of here about 24 hours (depending on time of day) before it is supposed to hit. Doing this puts me on the road after most people have gone so I miss the traffic. I also miss most of the leading storms on my drive back to Atlanta.

[Seasider]

If you are going to go, it is best to go early and beat the traffic. The north/south routes get heavily congested and fuel supplies can disappear. On the other hand, after leaving for Ivan and Dennis, many people will stay put to avoid the hassle of returning to their homes.

[Tootsie]

As soon as possible--when they get a better idea of where it is going. Looks like all the computer models are in agreement that Katrina is coming to visit us. Some good advice I got once--reserve a hotel room west of the track and one east of the track. When there is a better idea of where Katrina is going, cancel one room and head to the other.


we had decided to stay put for Dennis, but went ahead and packed as if we were evacuating. then when the storm turned north early Sunday, threw it all in the car and headed out of town - we just made it before they closed the 331 bridge. we were lucky that the traffic was light and we made good time to Bham. normally, I would not want to leave so late... but the northern turn freaked me out! :eek:

[Camp Creek Kid]

We were in the same situation--I was scared to death when I saw it coming straight for us at a Cat 4. We were ready to go when Dennis started heading west again and we decided to stay. We would have gone through Panama City or up HWY 79 if the 331 Bridge had been closed. It is a scary thought to be trapped here with a major hurrican making a bee-line for your front yard.

[kurt]

We were in the same situation--I was scared to death when I saw it coming straight for us at a Cat 4. We were ready to go when Dennis started heading west again and we decided to stay. We would have gone through Panama City or up HWY 79 if the 331 Bridge had been closed. It is a scary thought to be trapped here with a major hurrican making a bee-line for your front yard.

They also close the bridge at Lake Powell at some point.

[Camp Creek Kid]

They also close the bridge at Lake Powell at some point.

Yes, I know.