Don't Do It...I Mean It

[Sean in New Orleans]

If you are anywhere remotely close to where this storm is likely to make landfall...leave. I've read these types of posts on this forum before, as well. I was in Katrina. Don't even try to rationalize one small thing. Get the hell out of Dodge NOW. I always had these thoughts and how I knew I would make it, I didn't want to leave my home, etc, etc....I am a weather fanatic, and I would never in my life think I would say this, but, trust me on this one. You probably think like me about the storm if you are on this board. But, I will NEVER in my life ride out another one of these storms. NO...it's not exciting. It's not fun. It's not cool. It is STUPID. I was stupid once....never again in my life. If I can make you believe me and believe in my true persuasion, then I've done a good thing. Godspeed, hurricane lovers...Sean

[TSmith274]

AMEN! Great post, Sean.

[CharleySurvivor]

Sean, I totaly agree with you AND what I have realised after going thru Charley myself last year is you can tell people until you are blue in the face of the dangers and what could be awaiting them and they still will not leave.

Until one as actually LIVED thru a hurricane, many will never understand it's impact and the suffering. as the worst is always after.

Remember this y'all wanting to stay, AFTERWARD is awful, and I'm not exagerating when I say this. Think about this those who wants to stay.

God bless you all, keep you safe wherever you will be.

[scubastud]

I've only really experienced one hurricane and that was hurricane Jeanne last year and by the time it hit my area, it was a Cat 1 hurricane (maybe slightly less = 60mph winds). Trust me on this, it's scary as hell when you see MAJOR trees topplings, your roof shaking..............not something fun. I can only imagine what a major hurricane brings. As others have stated, get the hell out of dodge.

[bvigal]

Good posts, all! Sean, you will influence people, be assured of that!

For those still thinking of staying...

IF you are alive when it's over, some things can be expected:

No power, thus no air conditioning, fans, refrigeration, lights

Hot, boiling sun, little or no wind, mosquitos out the ying yang

Nothing cold to drink as you sweat your butt off, too hot to lay in bed as you will be sopping wet, stuck to the mattress

Probably no running water, which means your toilet will become more gross by the day

Roads covered with debris, so you can't then decide to drive away to some place more comfortable

Looters who might be happy to shoot you if they want something off your property

No police, fire, or ambulance if you get in trouble

Possibly 3-5 days before any help arrives

No cell phone, internet, tv, stores, restaurants, etc., and you may not be able to reach loved ones outside the area for quite a while

Really, what will you accomplish by staying? Protecting the debris after it's over with your trusty shotgun?

GET OUT....PLEASE!!!

[sma10]

Sean,

Very nice and appropriate post. However, you are talking to the deaf.

Unfortunately, for those who have never experienced a major hurricane you can never adequately convey what it's like. If they are weather weenies they will stay no matter how much you plead. And, if in fact they are struck directly, they will either a) die or b) survive and say "Boy, that was stupid and NOT cool. I will NEVER do that again."

Since going through Andrew in 1992, I have literally spoken with hundreds of people who have gone through major hurricanes (mostly Andrew survivors, but others who went through Hugo, Gilbert, Georges, and more.) Funny enough, I have yet to find ONE SINGLE PERSON to admit that it was a cool experience. Imagine that?

[TexasStooge]

Well said.