I just hope and pray that Gustav isnt another Katrina. New Orleans has already suffered enough, they dont need to go through that again.

This is from a msnbc article:

“The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Gustav could become a Category 5 storm — the most dangerous level — packing 160 mph winds as it moves into the warm Gulf of Mexico. It should then revert to a still very dangerous Category 4 as it hits cooler waters just before landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the center stated.”

So at least they’re hoping it will lessen before it hits land…

If that thing was headed our way we would skip town too… were in south florida (ft. lauderdale area) this storm is not even funny. Im fearful for the people in its path.

Our info if needed is
Ashley
954-319-6335
Broward County Florida (aka south east coast)

We would be more then happy to help with calling members after the storm, exc. Just add us to the list.

I turned on my comp and just read about it. My Mom lives in Louisiana and she emailed saying she is going to Hot Springs Arkansas with friends in a camper. This is an extremely nasty storm. I doubt my Mom’s trailer will withstand this one.

Katrina tore the skirting  off it and the insulation is falling under it. It is 27 years old her trailer. She still hasn’t gotten all her $ from the Road Home.  I am glad she isn’t hanging around for this one.

I hope everyones pets are okay. It’s terrible, but that’s usually my first thought when I hear about storms like this.

Keep safe, all you guys

Hi,
I have learned to live with Hurricane seasons for the last 5 years and it’s not fun. I actually was a smidge north of the path of Katrina (like only 12 miles) when it was a Level 1 – then we watched with dismay as it strengthened when it hit Gulf water. Wilma was the next one that whammed us – a level 2 I think, but never downplay ANY storm that is determined to be a Hurricane. Since my folks live a block away from the school that was designated a shelter, and both are made of concrete, we are basically as safe here as going there. My brother, father and I put up shutters for two years as we had 6 hurricanes in total.

I am so sorry about the path of Gustav. I really wanted the rebuilding of New Orleans to take place on the higher ground inland rather than redoing the basin with the weakened levies. It just seemed inevitable that another one would hit within the next 5 years that would react in a similar way to Katrina. However, the worst thing is that a hurricane can change course at a very last minute. That’s why Orlando got hit one year when it was coming up the west coast then shot across mid-state. You can only predict so much and just try to be prepared or evacuate. Many, many homes have installed mandatory hurricane proofing components made to withstand a category 3 I think. But the damage to the trees was really sad to see.

Anyway, it’s nice of you, Binkles, to be concerned. One of the most difficult things is communicating with people, especially when you know you’re alright but others don’t, due to power outages and cell towers being down. Often a regular phone will be back on long before the power to turn on a computer.
Put together a preparedness bag or box and just evacuate or ride it out. Decide early because the roads get jammed and you want to be out before you are in a car in bad weather.
I think one year I read two books by Jane Austin by flashlight. Also, be sure to fill a bathtub in your home with water. You can use it to wash, (drink if you have to) and to pour into a toilet to get it to flush a bit. Bottled water is the best for drinking.
And if you pack canned goods, don’t forget the manual can opener!!! If you have a full tank of gas, you can plug chargers in your running car. You’ll run out of gas long before you run out of juice in your car battery. Just not in a closed garage. Eat your melting frozen foods and fresh foods first. If you cook up a frozen roast ahead of time, it will be good cold for days and not spoil. You can move stuff from fridge to freezer to last a bit longer.

I’m in Palm Beach County, east coast just north of Ft. Lauderdale. We need to watch the storm AFTER Gustav. It’s due here next weekend I think. Just keeping an eye on it.

Make a hurricane box for yourself & pack a small bag, pack a bunny bag, and stay calm. Someone did a study of people’s reactions to these storms, and they learned that those who were watching TV constantly (until they lost power) had much more anxiety (higher blood pressure too) than those who just turned it off, got ready, and waited quietly in their safe place. It’s much calmer once the power switches the TV off. Listening to a radio by battery is enough to keep you informed. And those dopy TV broadcasters don’t realize that the people who need their round the clock reports are LISTENING, not watching. They forget to explain what they’re pointing to!
Make note of the info. you need to know before you lose power so you can get to a shelter if need be.

The only thing I can add is prayer, folks. I pray this storm downgrades and fizzles to nothing by an act of God. You all do NOT need to have to go through this again! Ever.
I remember, as a youngster, having nightmares about hurricanes coming to California. Now I have nightmares about tornadoes spawning in Alaska.
Never mind the idea that Day After Tomorrow could come true and we’d all freeze to death up here ( I do that every winter…lolz) I just can’t stand windy storms of any kind. I have never been through a hurricane and I don’t plan on it in the future. But our planet IS changing, by hook or by crook. I fear there could be many more Katrinas and Andrews.
Please be safe, everyone. I hope all the pets are safe too. I saw the PBS special on the animals lost and abandoned (a lot of them not intentionally) due to Katrina. God Bless you all.

Ashley, I appreciate that you put your contact info, but I think the forum leaders will caution you not to put such sensitive info on a public forum, it can be seen by anybody.
That being said, please be safe out there!

my cell phone number is plastered on the back of my SUV, everyone in broward county (And everywhere else my SUV has been in the last 57,000 miles) has access to it… im not worried about it  As for my name… how much more common can you be? Its a cellular phone and not linked with my home address… im really not worried about it but thanks for the warning.

lolz, You could have my name, first and last. ^_^ Believe me, there’s a bout a hundred of me up here in my state! Can’t tell you how that’s buggered me on prescription refills and such.
Didn’t realize you had your number on your car. My bad. ^_^ Just wanted you to be safe is all.

I appreciate it Im actually a monavie distributor and had my number decal on my suv. If it wasnt I wouldnt give my number out

I do appreciate your concern, if it were anyone else i would totally agree with you!!!

WOW I had no idea it was such a bad storm!! I guess that’s one good thing about living so far north, almost no bugs and sooo would never get a tropical storm like that…

Everyone be safe!! Leave if you’re in the path. That’s really all the advice I have, never been through something like that!

wow i hadnt even heard about a hurricane! keep us posted!

For TV viewing, I find The Weather Channel is pretty current.

try NWS
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

thats the website i always refer to… its the people the news checks, they *are* the National Weather Service, always up to date.. a bit harder to read but it always has most up to date info.