Here it is, September 5, 2017, my first day back in my office in 2 weeks. I planned on writing a post about a big life changing event that happened yesterday, but that will have to wait. Today, instead of finishing unpacking from our 8 day cruise, we are in Hurricane Irma preparation mode. We live just south of Tampa, Fl. We have had our share of near misses, tropical storms, and Hurricane Charley followed us across the state when we evacuated to Orlando. Hurricane Irma will effect us, we just don’t know how bad it will be yet.
photo from The Weather Channel
Today we are in hope for the best, prepare for the worst mode. You see, Most of the state of Florida is only about 150 miles wide. Currently, Irma’s hurricane force winds reach out about 45 miles out from the center and tropical storm force winds reach out about 140 miles from the center. So, we will have at minimum tropical storm force winds and at the worst, a category 5 hurricane which will surely be devastating.
What We Are Doing Today to Prepare for Hurricane Irma
- Check plywood and screw supplies to board up house
- Get sandbags for garage door
- Get water, at least 21 gallons
- Get non-perishable foods
- Get dog food
- Keep making ice and filling zippy bags with it, this is when I hate not having an ice maker
- Charge all battery packs for phones
- Gathering medications and getting refills for those running low
I hope and pray we are spared but I have a feeling we won’t be. I am seriously considering evacuating to my best friend in West Virgina but I am hearing from friends further north in Florida that the interstate is already packed and I think being stuck on the interstate would be worse than being stuck at home, but I am just not sure.
Hurricane Preparedness Information
State of Florida Hurricane Info
Please be safe. Remember to stay off of flooded roads, turn around don’t drown. Check on elderly family, friends, and neighbors, make sure they have a plan in place. I will update here and on my Facebook page as I am able but know that my focus is on the safety of my family and friends.
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