Lisa_at_the_beach

This has probably been discussed many times before here on this board....but I recently had a VERY LONG and HEATED discussion with a friend regarding the entire process of Evacuation......Of course, this person does not live on the coast...unlike myself who grew up on the Texas coast and has never lived above I-10.

Over the last 50 years I have been thru many, many hurricanes.....and mandatory evacuations.....but have reached the point that I think I've made my decision now and say....Not. Too hard to call when to make the decision, too hard to wait until the last minute and get stuck in the nightmare of traffic, too much too much.....

I know, call me crazy....duh??? But....What's everybody's limit? Cat 3? 4? 5? Does it matter? A cat 3 can turn into a cat 5 in a matter of hours and then what?

And....am I the ONLY person who remembers when NO ONE boarded up their windows? What started that trend? It's like a frenzy....you see your neighbors boarding up their windows and you think.....,well, I've got to do it.

I learned that people (friends and family not here) get REALLY upset if you make the decision to stay and ride it out. I just don't think I can handle another evacuation.

So....Who else feels the need to stay put?

Beachbummett

Yes you are crazy....but that's a different story.

When I was living in our house in Seagrove I always stayed for the tropical storms (when I wasn't hanging out at Collaborations for tornado warnings) and it was not a lot different than just a long drawn out thunderstorm.

I have always said when we move there full time I would probably stay through a Cat 2, but would leave for anything more than that. How about if one looks like it's coming just come on up to Birmingham for a few days?

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scooterbug44

I personally evacuate whenever there's even a chance that the storm will be above a Cat 1, but a great deal of that decision is fueled by:

1) the age/structural stability/infrastructure of my current residence
2) the fact that I can decide to evacuate and have the house & fridge emptied and be on the road in less than 4 hours
3) my guaranteed lodging at a relative's house
4) past experiences of seeing how quickly things can go from bad to horrible

Once I build the Scooterbug bunker, I'll probably be less likely to hit the road at a moment's notice.

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rapunzel

I was right there with you. I evacuated for Ivan and couldn't get back to work for two chaotic days after the storm missed New Orleans and came right up 65, stranding me in Columbus, GA. The power didn't even go off in New Orleans. I lost two vacation days, and the partners were livid because I was the manager and wasn't there to sort out the post false alarm mess. I swore I'd never evacuate again -- i had a hospital with generators and a bring your pet policy, why leave?

Skunky made me evacuate two days before Katrina. I was laughing at him the whole time, and called him a Alarmist Y'at. I only went along with it because it also happened to be the first anniversary of my father's death, and I thought my mom might need some company.

After seeing the aftermath of Ivan in Pensacola and Katrina up and down the gulf coast...I will evacuate for anything above a category 1. The nine false alarms will be worth it if you make the right call once. A little road trip never hurt anyone. When those of us who can clear out don't, it just puts the first responders and the people with legitimate hardships in more danger.

Back roads and a TomTom, a good book and a cooler with snacks and drinks. I'll make the next evacuation a little adventure.

Beachbummett

Adventure on up to Birmingham! I am very close to The Galleria & The Summit!

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joho

I have always stayed in the area during hurricanes.............two reasons:

Security will not let you back across bridge for a couple of days and
I love the serenity of having the place to ourselves.

If you don't like camping........................leave!

elgordoboy

I'd like to participate in the discussion but my mind has been in the gutter lately and it shows no sign of improving. Lisa_at_the_beach.

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rapunzel

With bells on! What is your pug acceptance policy?

Beachbummett

Pugs accepted! Sweetie is very hospitable and will make Patrick feel right at home. The pug...not sure about the skunky one. (jk, he is welcome too, I have guest rooms upstairs that are NEVER used)

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elgordoboy

Rotfl...smarta$$es thanking me for not posting. at exactly the same minute...2:09 p.m.

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seagrovegirl

Like most of you, I am out of here for anything above a Cat1. been there done that and said I would never stay for a Cat 2 or more ever again...it is terrifying!!!!

My house is nestled under HUGE oaktree's that would splinter my house if they fell........I'm not staying there for anything in high wind.

I have a house on the stateline in Paxton that I bought for a hurricane haven, I'm still in the county and I am on high ground there. The place is ready for a hurricane with gas grill, extra gas, batteries, non-perishable food, first aid kit, water, etc......

Bought the house in 2006 and haven't had a hurricane since. I'm kind of looking forward to testing it out.

Lisa_at_the_beach

We were on the phone discussing your smarta$$

InletBchDweller

If we were still there full time we would stay. We stayed in the Villas at Seacrest for several storms. We felt secure and safe. With multiple properties in the area it was best of us to stay to help attend those properties. Also, multiple pets and freezers full of food helped with the decision.

We also were there to help our neighbors who did not have generators and were able to check on other people's properties for them.

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30ashopper

That was a brilliant idea. I have to assume you paid very little for it? Any problems with vandalism over long periods?

JustaLocal

I'm staying!!

I was in school in Tallahassee for Ivan - I think it was. I drove all the way back home afterward since classes got canceled. When I got here, they wouldn't let me cross the 331 bridge. I drove all the way around through Panama City and was stopped at the Walton County line there on Hwy 98 with about 100 other cars full of people. I was told they had to clear the roads, etc. When I finally got in (about 2 hours later), there were barely even any trees down, much less in the road. The power was out, but we are always prepared for that.

If you're here, they don't make you leave, but if you leave, they can darn sure keep you from getting back home. Besides, I love camping.

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Bobby J

I use to stay. Now I split. My definition of a catastrophe is at home without power with 2 teenage daughters. That scares me more then the storm.

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Smiling JOe

This morning's Cat 1 may be this afternoon's Cat 3 or Cat 4. It happens. Look up the history of last years storms. The problem with waiting to see what happens is the traffic. The EOC has to make the call for mandatory evac, days in advance, since they know that evac time is somewhere around 30+hours. If you wait until traffic is on the road, and the storm grows more intense, there is a chance that the bridges may close before you are able to leave, since the winds may precede the actual storm. Remember that Walton County bridges close after wind speeds reach 35-40mph. Let's say you wanted to evac to Atlanta. To leave prior to mandatory evac, it will take you 5.5 hours travel time on average. If you wait until mandatory evac is announced, it will take you 5.5 hours to get to Freeport. It is much easier to just take off for a few days, and not have to be stuck in traffic, possibly with car problems or gas shortages. I will add that the fewer people who stay in SoWal when a big storm hits us directly, the easier it will be for rescue personal. The difference between staying or leaving in a timely fashion, may be the difference in your life or death, and of your friends and family. Hot and humid summer weather, no power for 10 days, no phone service, no grocery store open, no gas station open, roads flooded, downed trees, etc, -- why not be staying with a friend out of town, where you have all of the luxuries, including your life?

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TreeFrog

Ditto to SJ. I have NO interest in hurricane parties, none in trying to function without power, phone, food, or gas for extended periods.

After Ivan (which blew the siding off my house), it was really difficult to buy gas for nearly two weeks. And we didn't even get hit.

How about no cell phone service for over a week after Katrina?

Neither of these storms even hit SoWal. Multiply these woes by 10 if we take a direct hit.

InletBchDweller

so SJ, the answer to the question. Do you stay or do you go??

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enfuego

"Remember that Walton County bridges close after wind speeds reach 35-40mph. Let's say you wanted to evac to Atlanta. To leave prior to mandatory evac, it will take you 5.5 hours travel time on average. If you wait until mandatory evac is announced, it will take you 5.5 hours to get to Freeport. It is much easier to just take off for a few days, and not have to be stuck in traffic, possibly with car problems or gas shortages. I will add that the fewer people who stay in SoWal when a big storm hits us directly, the easier it will be for rescue personal. The difference between staying or leaving in a timely fashion, may be the difference in your life or death, and of your friends and family"

I vote go!

Smiling JOe

I've stayed and I've evacuated. The last time I stayed, everyone else I had talked to said that they were staying. I won't say that they lied, but they changed their mind at the last minute. That really made me question my decision, but it was too late to change my mind, unless I wanted to pack the dogs into the canoe and start paddling. All ended well, but we weren't directly hit with the storms.

After watching the massive chaos which ensues a major storm, after trying to sleep in high humidity, high temp nights, and after seeing a storm set a record last year, going from a Cat 1 to a Cat 4 overnight, I don't think I'll be playing that game, anymore, thank you. One other thing to remember is that I have no wife and no kids, and I wouldn't have stayed around during those times when I did, if that were the case. I have family and friends all over the south east USA, and they would likely welcome my dogs and me, ... well, at least my dogs. So, when the time comes I'll likely just take a break from the beach and visit friends. I am trained in rescue, and if I am here during the storms or during the aftermath, I will likely be one of the people who come looking for the people who stayed, so make my job easier, and evacuate as told, or before it becomes mandatory.

My yard is filled with big Oak Trees, and with it being no more than maybe 5 ft above the current level of the Bay, I think my yard will have fish swimming in it if we get hit with the storm surge of a big storm. The house is elevated a couple of feet and things may get a little wet, but at least I wouldn't be trying to sleep in a water-bed.

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seagrovegirl

No didn't pay much relative to sowal and I am surprised that I have had no vandalism or even a peep that someone has been there other than me and family. It's a quiet and sweet area and it seems everyone looks after each other there. It's a nice get-a-way from the hustle and bustle of sowal in the summer.

ShallowsNole

I will evacuate for anything Cat 3 or over. Possibly Cat 2. When we lived south of Freeport, I sat through a tropical storm that was bad enough. I will take ShallowsSquirt, the two small dogs and my kitty. Fuzz is in charge of making sure our Labrador is safe.

My house should be safe, and it should not flood, but historically all WCSO personnel are pulled north, and I am not about to stay down here by myself. Having a destination - my niece's home in Dothan - helps in making the decision.

InletBchDweller

We welcome friends and dogs.

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DuneLaker

We stay for most. House was built with hurricanes in mind, over code, back and further from water than allowed at the time, large overhangs, screen windows, lots of trees for shading. We also don't use 331 to get back in. The roads in to South Walton from Bay County, (98, 20, 79) are open later and sooner than 331. For Hurricane Opal, we were here from Dallas for Spring Break, so we left to get kiddos and friends home. We did leave about 3 a.m. and beat the crowd out. Stayed in DeFuniak overnight. Oh my gosh. It was worse there with huge pine trees falling over. Would have been safer at the beach. Left the next morning along I-10, lots of pine trees along the highway, but left early and got out okay. Had breakfast at Mom's house thanks to gas grill. They were out of power up there for days. However, uncle came back to SoWal the next day to check on things and as usual came in from the Bay County side. (this is old Walton county, btw). I think the only death from Hurricane Opal was from a tornado up near Crestview. Lately, we only left for Hurricane Dennis and were in more danger on I-10 returning. Traffic was horrible and gas was in short supply. Really depends on if you know how well your house is built, if you are prepared to spend a week in the peace and quiet on the beach with no ac, food, etc., what is your elevation, how large the storm is and where it is coming in. Know your evacuation route. If you can't take care of yourself and really don't understand the circumstances, then leave.

Ocean Lover

Nice plan.....

I can understand that.





I was just thinking....this is what I would like to do. Hurricane fantasy if you will....

Ride it out at my house in Alys Beach with my personal chef specializing in gas grill cooking. Big a$$ generator and well stocked pantry and fridge.

Add to it if you'd like.

Beachbummett

Add a well stocked bar and I'm right there with ya!

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ckhagen

I've always lived south of 10 too, in New Orleans/Baton Rouge and for the past 12 years, here.
Cat 3 is our limit. We definitely consider it at 2, but are out by the time the predict 3. We board up, pack the sentimental, non-replaceable items, and head elsewhere. Depending on the track, perhaps to family in LA or to the eastern FL coast. We have kids and that's a big factor, but even if we didn't there are some elements that would convince me to leave.

The last two times we evac'd, we came home to massive pine trees that had fallen in our yard, both narrowly missing our house. So even if you don't think you'll float away or are high enough to not be concerned about storm surge, tornadoes, fires (electric and lightning sparked) with no access to emergency personell and falling trees are still a factor.

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CK

Ocean Lover

You got it.

DD

I like the way you girls think.

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SWGB

Cat 2 is our limit. Then we head north or over to Tallahassee.

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kurt

I agree with SJ, it's not so simple. If you stay you are a gambler, but you're not holding any cards. You're trying to bluff a force of nature that doesn't even see you.

If you have to ask, then the answer is to evacuate.

seagrover

We just had the 3M safety film put on all the doors and windows - found the guy here on SoWal and he did a great job - we are here through a Cat 3 - and only plan to leave if it is a 4 or a 5 and heading this way.

I hear what you all are saying about how things change speed and direction but we left for Ivan and Dennis for Auburn. We lost power in Auburn with Ivan. Got home after Ivan and started removing shutters - we had power again after being back for 1 hour - maybe we were just lucky - but we are planning to stay and ride it out - maybe!!! Sorta kinda maybe!!!

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Smiling JOe

Don't base your false feelings of safety on previous storms. Every Hurricane is unique, and the next one may not leave you so lucky. If a storm hits here, it isn't like you are going to be working at your normal job for a while so just pack up and take a semi-unplanned vacation. Go see all of the touristy things to do in Atlanta or Birmingham, St Augustine, or Tallahassee.
It would be horrible to revive this thread with people missing due to their lack of willingness to evacuate. The hindsight answer would have been written all over the walls -- evacuate! Mother Nature is far more powerful than we can conceive. If you don't think so, try to imagine the Appalachian Mountains, which now top out at an elevation of around 4,100 ft above sea level. At one time in history, they were taller than the highest point currently on Earth, Mt Everest. Think about the Grand Canyon, which once wasn't deep at all, and was just a river flowing through the low point in the desert. We cannot conceive the power of nature.

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Ocean Lover

Seriously, to be on the safe side, pack it up and go on an adventure like Punzy and SJ said. See family and friends that you don't get to see that often or be a tourist somewhere else safe. There are so many beautiful places north of Sowal...call me if you make it as far as Ohio. Most importantly, I just want all my friends to be safe.

ShallowsNole

My feelings on evacuation...I fully expect to return to an intact house. However, I want to be where help can get to me if I need it. My parents never would have left because they were afraid of looting, but while I would be heartbroken to lose certain things, NOTHING is worth losing my or my family's life.

I will not, however, leave venison and shrimp together in the freezer again...

seagrover

Ok - you know whiteyfunn would have a screaming fit with one coming and us not leaving.

I can sound like I'm brave, can't I? Brave or stupid!!!! I can talk this way because nothing is coming here today!!!

Whiteyfunn would not want anything to happen to Milly!!!

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beachmouse

We'd generally lean toward not evacuating. On one hand, I've got family in Albany, GA now, and sister's home is a lot more comfortable than a hotel room somewhere would be.

On the other hand, we're north of the bay at 40'+ elevation and in Flood Zone X. We had the $%^! shortleaf pines that tend to fall over in moderate tropical storm winds taken out after Ivan, and what's left is wind-tolerant stock like live oak, longleaf pine and magnolia. And we're in a good spot on the utility grid and never even lost power during Ivan.

Cheering472

Sounds like beach front people could evacuate to your house.

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Mango

Even a tropical storm and I am out of there with favorite Xmas decor in tow.

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BeachSiO2

No decision for me. If a storm comes I have to head TO Sowal, not away from it.

I wonder if the people who bought my house will let me crash. I will keep an eye on things for them and bring the generator, gas tanks, and window air conditioner I used there for Dennis and Ivan.

jdarg

Those people said that would be fine, and add a few BF bottles of wine and a liter of tequila. And 2 generators are better than 1, right? They have a smallish one.

I don't think anyone's car will be able to shelter in the garage.

MattChrist Live

Growing up here, my family has stayed for many hurricanes, (okay, we left for Opal and Ivan). Whether you leave or not, just make sure to have good family friends by your side.
Can anyone say Hurricane Party?

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BeachSiO2

If you could, tell them I am fine with all that and after 3 or more BF bottles of wine and two days of Dargaritas, who will really be driving anyway

jdarg

The new owner of your house has Weather Channel anxiety and will be mainlining dargaritas if there is an actual hurricane and she sticks around.

BeachSiO2

Just remember, Jim C. has a Napoleon's Complex as he is only about 5'6".

incredible1

We rode out 8 in 2 years in Key West
No one said we were smart
do it again?
yes

Do it if a 3+ heads eye over?
no

But........ do stay safe, evac then watch what we can get streamed and uploaded on www.30atelevision.com
cos we ARE that nuts

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Bobby J

You got something against short people!

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BeachSiO2

Not calm peaceful ones, but ones with an ego the size of a house is another story. That goes for tall ones too! Last I checked that doesn't describe you at all.

Camp Creek Kid

I disagree. When we left for Ivan we actually waited to leave until the day after the evacuation was ordered. The simple reason is that we were exhausted after several days of boarding up our properties as well as those of neighbors and family. We left early in the a.m. and the storm was still well out into the Gulf and the effects of the storm were still very minimal. The upside is that we had absolutely no traffic until we got to the outskirts of Birm. Those who had left the previous day were on the road 10-12 hours to Birm. Bottom line, there is no need to panic. Watch the weather, prepare, etc., but do not panic. Evacuation orders are issued well in advance. However, those planning to evacuate would be wise to make hotel reservation now (ones that can be canceled) just in case and try to stay as close as possible. Also, try to go east or west (away from whichever side the storm will hit), not north because north will also be in the path of any storm. When we went to Birm. for Ivan, we were without power for almost 2 days.

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