Gassing up in Jamaica?? Huh?

[HollynLA]

Just wondering why the residents were swamping the gas stations filling up their cars, where are they going to go?? I could understand filling generators and what not, but I'm not quite sure about the need to fill the cars. Jamaica is a rather small island, if the storm hits, it really doesn't matter where you are, you're going to get slammed.

I have compassion for the islanders, this is just a question.

[stormraiser]

No power, no gas pumping, no gas

[B-Bear]

You know, the same thought occurred to me last night when I saw it reported on the news they are scrambling to gas up their vehicles. I couldn't help but think, "It's a friggin' island. Where they hell do they think they're going to drive to?"

[chadtm80]

If they dont get it now, they wont be able to get it later. I filled my tank up for both storms and I didnt evacuate.. You just get it in preperation.. Why wouldnt they fill up?

[Possum Trot]

Negril to Montego Bay is 52 miles. It will be a long time until their next fill up.

[BayouVenteux]

Just wondering why the residents were swamping the gas stations filling up their cars, where are they going to go?? I could understand filling generators and what not, but I'm not quite sure about the need to fill the cars. Jamaica is a rather small island, if the storm hits, it really doesn't matter where you are, you're going to get slammed.

I have compassion for the islanders, this is just a question.

Not so much "heading for the hills", although there are highland areas that are more valley plateau than steep mountain terrain...it's more likely that they are anticipating an extended period of time without electricity. Jamaicans don't own a lot of cars per capita, and many of them, especially in the country, take on the role of ersatz taxi cabs, driving locals from point to point over the rugged terrain. So as the primary means of getting around the island besides on foot...and it is a relatively large island, it's important that they have gas following Ivan's passage.

[Three Blind Mice]

You guys need to know how to prep! Car gas tank is 15 to 30 gallon gas tank, if you need it. Generators burn through the gas!!!

[B-Bear]

That makes sense, and I figured it was just being done to make sure they had a full tank of gas in the car before the storm hit. But the way the news story reported it made it sound like they were trying to drive away before the storm hit. My wife thought the same thing. It just sounded goofy the way they reported it.

[msbee]

You guys need to spend some time on an island LOL
my island is a whole lot smaller than Jamaica and you should have seen the lines at the gas stations when we were preparing for the possible passing of Frances.
First of all, as was said, once you get hit by a cane, you don't have power and many of the gas stations can't pump gas.
second of all, you are on an island..nothing comes in or out for days or weeks and that includes gas.
we had a shortage of gas for weeks after hurricanes.
and, yes, as three blind mice said, don't forget generators!

[CFLCaneWatcher]

Well said MsBee, some things us inlanders just don't realize!

[ssmith]

The item that most brothered me after Issy was it seemed the moment it was safe to venture out there were instant gas lines.

For the life of me I could not figure out why people did not fill-up before,we had ample time.I filled up the SUV, the wife convertible and even my "hot rod".The gas in the old car (93 octane) was used in the son generator later when needed since the car was stored there during the storm..higher ground..LOL..