Wednesday, September 6, 2017

State of Emergency

The governor of South Carolina issued a "State of Emergency" this afternoon after hurricane Irma started veering slightly eastward. By 5pm all the stores, big and small, were out of bottled water and there are long, long lines at every gas station in town. I've heard you can't find a parking spot at the big box stores. People are panicking. And they kind of have a point.

This is a record-setting storm that has the potential to be utterly catastrophic. I've seen some real no joke hurricanes in my life, including Hugo in 1989, but I've never seen anything approaching 200 mph sustained winds (with higher gusts). And Irma is big.. I heard today that it's the size of the state of Ohio. Ohio! A storm that big will end up being felt in several states no matter where it initially makes landfall.

Last weekend when the storm was still far away, we went ahead and bought some supplies. We reasoned that even if Irma didn't end up being an issue, it's still the middle of hurricane season and we might need them later. We have four cases of bottled water, plenty of nonperishable food and sodas, extra tp, batteries, candles, lighters, and matches. We filled up our cars with gas. Thank goodness for preparing early! I still want to top off the gas in my car tomorrow if I can, and we need to pick up an extra canister of fuel for the camp stove, but that's about it. We're ready. Or as ready as we can be, I suppose.

To my Florida friends and anyone else in the path of this storm: please do whatever you need to do to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. Let's all check in as we can, ok?






25 comments:

  1. I hope it's a lot better than predicted!

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  2. "Last weekend when the storm was still far away, we went ahead and bought some supplies."

    BINGO! It is always perplexing why there are all the lines at the last minute. Water doesn't spoil. Canned food doesn't spoil. TP doesn't spoil. And so on. For those who aren't told to evacuate, having supplies ahead of time is only common sense.

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  3. My BFF moved from Ohio to SC last year, to retire where it doesn't snow. This is her second hurricane. And, for both of them she's been back here in Ohio, visiting people she left behind. We're having breakfast tomorrow.
    You all take care and be safe.

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  4. I just told Mr. Moon tonight, "I need to remember to buy things when we don't need them." I was speaking of lamp oil but you know what I mean.
    You done good. This damn storm is so big it has all of us who might be affected by it atremble. We're running out of gas and water and non-perishables here, too.
    May none of us need them. May we all be safe.

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  5. 90% of the buildings on the island of Barbuda have been destroyed according to the governor. It must have been terrifying for the inhabitants and visitors alike. Be safe Jennifer!

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  6. I was just going to email you. I am happy you are set up already.
    I hope your gud dugs have their extras put away too. I can hear them saying now where is my "favorite squeeky and blankie" ? woof !
    When I lived in California I had extras in case of earthquake.

    Take care and be warm and dry.
    cheers, parsnip xx

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  7. All my best hopes for riding out this storm, Jennifer. Your preparations are prudent and mindful. Keep transmitting.

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  8. I have always said that the one weather phenomenon I detest above all others is wind, but our winds over here are nothing compared to Irma. I heard this morning that it is the size of France. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed for you. Stay safe. Cro x

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  9. Sounds like you are well prepared. Good luck.

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  10. Crikey ..... this is such a scary thing. We have cyclones here in Australia and Mum has been through a few of them but not ever one as big as Irma. Please stay safe. Our prayers are with all in the path of this monster.

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  11. You did the right thing in being prepared. I hope that most of the storm will peter out before it gets to the Carolinas. My thought are with you and all those in the path of this horrible storm.

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  12. Be safe...thinking of you, and everyone else who might be affected by this power of nature. x

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  13. I hope the storm lessens in strength by the time it gets up your way -- but yeah, it will be felt over a wide area.

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  14. I see you are getting the same spammer I am receiving. I would love to be right and suggest you are being alarmist by your stocking up, but....

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  15. Very smart of you to stock up on emergency supplies well in advance. Hopefully you wont need them. This one really is a monster, like Katrina or Sandy (I was 9 when Hugo hit, and I dont think we got much of its wrath in CT) Be safe, Jennifer. Good luck!

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  16. No water to be found in the stores in the Orlando area. I'm not looking forward to this weekend at all.

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  17. People here are pretty calm, but prepared. Schools are getting out early today and staying closed until Tuesday.

    Love,
    Janie

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  18. You loved a blogpost about an impending destructive storm? What the hell is wrong with you Ly Heng? And how can you possibly make a "fun card" out of a hurricane chart. You should seriously consider psychiatric support.

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  19. I hope you and your loved ones are not going to be so severely affected, Jennifer. It must be very scary to live in a hurricane-prone area.

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  20. Best of luck, take care stay safe Jennifer.
    Greetings Maria x

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  21. I am glad you stocked up in advance and am hoping you stay safe and out of harms way, dear friend.

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