I know it will almost certainly be monstrous. I could have easily left days ago. I know I should have left. Friends and family called to beg me to leave. I already know once the storm hits I will curse myself for not leaving. There is still time to leave but even with knowing all that I won't. I can't tell you exactly why I am staying but I keep asking myself what about all the people who can't leave. What about them?
2
We bought a condo in southeast Florida three years ago. But a buyer must use due diligence in selecting a location. We bought five miles in from the ocean and at a slightly higher elevation not in a floodplain. However, not buying in a floodplain is not an absolute guarantee against flooding. Water surge from a hurricane can flow in 1-2 miles, depending on location. We bought on the second floor, so flooding would be a most unlikely possibility. We bought a less expensive condo so we could afford to put in the highest standard of hurricane wind impact windows, as well as steel accordion shutters on some openings. We are not there right now, but had we been, we would have evacuated no later than the early hours of Wednesday morning. Living in Florida can be beautiful and quite possible but storm/weather problems will arise if you buy without using common sense and exercising due diligence.
2
Yes, but... we haven't really learned the core lesson that over developing highly vulnerable areas leads to high potential for human, property and infrastructure casualties. If and when a "big one" like Irma hits the slightly improved building code, grudgingly accepted by the anti-regulation crowd, will be like putting a band-aid on a machete gash.
2
The main reason why so many places that are likely to be flooded are built on is because home owners can get cheap flood insurance from the US govt. Private insurance for beachfront or flood plain building was way too expensive for most people. US flood insurance is already in the hole something like $25 billion and there are billions in new claims being made just from Harvey and Irma. Imagine all the claims that will come as sea level rises. It doesn't make sense for the Federal Government to cover flooding in such marginal areas but now we are stuck with these never ending expenses.
6
There's no such thing as private flood insurance. The only way to get flood insurance is to buy it through the federal government. The financial solution is to make flood insurance mandatory for all property owners nationwide. With increasing risk from climate change and infrastructure deterioration (dams, levees, etc), we no longer know who will flood at some point. A shared risk will give financial support to the program and make policies cheaper for everyone.
3
"After Andrew, Florida changed its approach to hurricanes." What ? Just look at the story's photo. Better yet, check out all of the video coverage on TV of the mass exodus of evacucuees- driving cars and large trucks. For every 200 cars outbound there are + or - 20 inbound cars.
Haven't they learned that you can easily open up at least 2 more lanes for evacuees , still leaving at least one inbound traffic lane?
That is real change. Evacuation routes need 3,4,5,6 lanes to avoid traffic jams or even running out of gas.
Haven't they learned that you can easily open up at least 2 more lanes for evacuees , still leaving at least one inbound traffic lane?
That is real change. Evacuation routes need 3,4,5,6 lanes to avoid traffic jams or even running out of gas.
6
It's kind of ironic, don't you think? We pull out of the Paris accord on climate change and we get hit back to back. The said Harvey was like an eight hundred year event. President Trump even mentioned how this super hurricane just happened while he was President and I suppose he some how thought this was a moment of greatness. It looks like he may get another chance to show some leadership after this weekend by all indications. Irma is a category five with record sustained wind over 185mph and the potential to do a lot of damage. Then there's Jose not far back that may hit landfall in the US. Mexico is about to be hit by hurricane Katia but will not threaten the US. This is some kind of really unlikely coincidence, not for so many hurricanes, but getting so many dangerous ones all this season. The President seems to have issued a dare to mother nature on climate change and she may be about to answer the challenge. Watch out, Mar-a-Lago!
7
Would someone explain to me why freeway traffic heading into Miami isn't stopped and those lanes opened up for the hundreds of thousands of people who are trying to get out of the city?
13
That reversal usually does happen at some point. The problem is some people still have to come in to get to work, especially in essential positions. When to reverse traffic flow is an inexact science, unfortunately
2
Anybody notice that the climate change deniers are getting fewer and quieter with each storm? It's a shame that it is too late.
6
It is not yet too late to mitigate the damage.
But all too soon it will be too late.
Probably before Trump leaves his throne room.
But all too soon it will be too late.
Probably before Trump leaves his throne room.
1
If Mar-A-Lago sustains damage from Hurricane Irma, will Donald Trump apply for FEMA money? Just wondering...
11
Are you serious? Trump will be the first in line. He took some $17 million in 2005 for hurricane Wilma, and in fact, by every measure, Wilma did not inflict such damage. Trump spent $3,000 cleaning the pool and pocketed the rest.
4
Donald Trump should fly to Mar-A-Lago for the weekend to
show solidarity with all Floridians.
show solidarity with all Floridians.
28
As with the Paris accord, it is to be hoped that cities, counties and states will build with tomorrow's climate in mind, whether Trump tears down Obama's sensible building rules or not.
10
The traffic out - slow - the airlines gouging (except Jet Blue who have no seats) yet no one mentions the easy way out - by Amtrak - 24 hours and you are in New York - no TSA hassles - why wait for the last moment - leave now.
8
Are these Fla red state people aware this is all tax money AND government regulations?? Hmmmm?
14
I was living at 7121 SW 63 ave. South Miami in a very old wooden home belonging to a friend: Iantha Whittaker. I was alone and built a heavy wooden survival space in the front room. I had saws and ways to cut my way out if the old house fell on me. It never fell, and the next morning I cut from a fallen tree: The three legged artifact I still have here just 8 feet from my computer; now in Tampa Florida. Irma will likely, finally kill it!
4
I had the honor of riding out Andrew in my Coral Gables home. I had moved to FLA the year before and never experienced a hurricane. What an introduction to hurricanes Andrew was. To this very day I remember the sound, fury and destruction like it was yesterday. This week I have been having Andrew flashbacks as I watch Irma coverage. It's near impossible to imagine how scary one of these storms is when you're in the crosshairs.
Today I am back in California and always amuse people when I say I'll take an earthquake over a hurricane any day of the week. Most don't believe it but most have never witnessed a cat 5 like Andrew. Once was more than enough for me!
Today I am back in California and always amuse people when I say I'll take an earthquake over a hurricane any day of the week. Most don't believe it but most have never witnessed a cat 5 like Andrew. Once was more than enough for me!
9
"...the storm is bigger, stronger, faster than Hurricane Andrew.”
And, headed right for Mar-a-Lago.
Heh, heh, heh....
And, headed right for Mar-a-Lago.
Heh, heh, heh....
24
He will write it off and find a way to benefit.
And as usual we will pay for it.
And as usual we will pay for it.
5
I do feel sort of sorry for most of Trump's neighbors even though they were reckless enough to knowingly buy or build houses on the Florida Coast during a period of rising sea levels and intensifying storm activity.
I have no sympathy for any of the rich Republicans in their Palm Beach mansions and I cannot help feeling a slight thrill at the thought of a direct hit on Mar-a-Lago.
Anyone care to bet whether the gilded mansions of the humble bungalows get rebuilt first?
I have no sympathy for any of the rich Republicans in their Palm Beach mansions and I cannot help feeling a slight thrill at the thought of a direct hit on Mar-a-Lago.
Anyone care to bet whether the gilded mansions of the humble bungalows get rebuilt first?
1
Please recycle your plastic bottles to save us from the next storm.
Good luck controlling the planet and it's atmosphere. As for me, it's clear that humans have changed their nature in the past 50 years and God has responded by altering his natural order. It's not too late; we can still turn things around.
Good luck controlling the planet and it's atmosphere. As for me, it's clear that humans have changed their nature in the past 50 years and God has responded by altering his natural order. It's not too late; we can still turn things around.
5
I've lived in Florida most of my life, and have never evacuated, not through multiple near misses in north Florida, nor any on the east coast of Florida for the past 40 years, including 4 storms in this county in 2004. It's easy for others to recommend early evac, but they cannot be aware of Florida's geography or the limited number of highways north and south and east and west in this state. Nor can they be considering the uncertainty of storm tracks, even in this day of computer models. Too man people have evacuated int the past directly into harm's way.
I read in Florida Today recently that statewide builders associations were lobbying to relax standards enforced after Hurricane Andrew. That was before Harvey, so one can hope that builders will take public safety more seriously now. But I wouldn't count on that. Memories are notoriously short when profit collides with other people's safety. Another reason limited government can be dangerous.
As for Irma, in current models there's a big M directly over our house, That stands for Major, not Melbourne. Our cement block home has not flooded in 40 years, and we have a new metal roof. So no, we won't evacuate, nor would we be expected to. Staying put is often the best choice. It's hard to understand why others would question that from afar.
I read in Florida Today recently that statewide builders associations were lobbying to relax standards enforced after Hurricane Andrew. That was before Harvey, so one can hope that builders will take public safety more seriously now. But I wouldn't count on that. Memories are notoriously short when profit collides with other people's safety. Another reason limited government can be dangerous.
As for Irma, in current models there's a big M directly over our house, That stands for Major, not Melbourne. Our cement block home has not flooded in 40 years, and we have a new metal roof. So no, we won't evacuate, nor would we be expected to. Staying put is often the best choice. It's hard to understand why others would question that from afar.
8
Because, inevitably, when holdouts like you underestimate the power of the storm, someone dies trying to rescue you.
12
I hope the storm misses your area entirely and everyone's safe. I sincerely wish you nothing but the best.
However, I spent time in New Orleans after Katrina helping the community rebuild. One of the biggest challenges I heard from the people who didn't evacuate wasn't the storm per se, rather the extended period of time afterwards trying to live in a devastated area. Many were stranded in the heat for over a week without power, food, medicine, clean water, communication, etc.
In the event your community receives a direct hit, you may experience the same. Also, sending in crews to rescue people who failed to evacuate is costly and puts them at risk.
However, I spent time in New Orleans after Katrina helping the community rebuild. One of the biggest challenges I heard from the people who didn't evacuate wasn't the storm per se, rather the extended period of time afterwards trying to live in a devastated area. Many were stranded in the heat for over a week without power, food, medicine, clean water, communication, etc.
In the event your community receives a direct hit, you may experience the same. Also, sending in crews to rescue people who failed to evacuate is costly and puts them at risk.
4
As a Florida native watching from another state, it is utterly terrifying watching my family prepare and eventually evacuate the home I grew up in. I've seen a few storms in my time and accept that there will be more in the future. However, what scares me is how climate change is drastically affecting the impacts of these superstorms. With rising sea levels every year, even small amounts of rain can leave parts of Florida inhabitable for certain periods of time and can destroy entire neighborhoods below sea level. Even now, high tides cover roads during a regular day. These and other issues needed to have been addressed years ago, yet there are those who still do not even accept climate change as a real thing. How is that possible? Climate change WAS an issue. Now it's an emergency. Until something is done, even those who are the most prepared will not be able to withstand the repercussions. Someone should take the money going into climate change deniers' pockets and start putting that to fixing this. We need to make some changes, and it's past too late.
8
We are 5% of the world's population burning 33% of the world's energy on an annual basis. We are now reaping what we have sowed for so many years of DENIAL of global climate change! Wake up Trump!
25
As a licensed professional structural engineer in both Florida and Texas - I can attest that the difference in approach to development between Houston and South Florida is night and day.
Miami has, and follows, extremely strict building laws. No matter what shenanigans go on behind the scenes to get a development approved - once those plans go in for design reviews - be prepared for the inquisition. Florida also requires a "special inspector" to be present at all threshold buildings (anothing over 4 stories). Most threshold inspectors are PhD structural engineers with 20 years of proven structural engineering experience.
Houston, however, takes laissez faire to a whole new level. I cannot attest to the seriousness with which they take residential or commercial development (I work on industrial facilities) I can say that everything gets built, nothing residential gets inspected whatsoever and the ease with which developers have been allowed to build in and around the flood plains is criminal. A massive collective scam pulled by the city and developers against its residents. The enforcement of storm water development was less than negligible - it was a joke. At every level beginning with the massive infrastructure that should have been built to drain the city itself. Every single developer forms an LLC right before each development then immediately declares bankruptcy when complete - never waiting for the first drop of rain. Absolutely criminal.
Miami has, and follows, extremely strict building laws. No matter what shenanigans go on behind the scenes to get a development approved - once those plans go in for design reviews - be prepared for the inquisition. Florida also requires a "special inspector" to be present at all threshold buildings (anothing over 4 stories). Most threshold inspectors are PhD structural engineers with 20 years of proven structural engineering experience.
Houston, however, takes laissez faire to a whole new level. I cannot attest to the seriousness with which they take residential or commercial development (I work on industrial facilities) I can say that everything gets built, nothing residential gets inspected whatsoever and the ease with which developers have been allowed to build in and around the flood plains is criminal. A massive collective scam pulled by the city and developers against its residents. The enforcement of storm water development was less than negligible - it was a joke. At every level beginning with the massive infrastructure that should have been built to drain the city itself. Every single developer forms an LLC right before each development then immediately declares bankruptcy when complete - never waiting for the first drop of rain. Absolutely criminal.
71
Ah, Texas, where the Wild West begins,
where it's every man for himself,
where capitalism solves every problem,
where the only real problem is the government,
where if you ain't rich, you're doing something honest.
where it's every man for himself,
where capitalism solves every problem,
where the only real problem is the government,
where if you ain't rich, you're doing something honest.
8
I would not venture to disagree with your comparison of Florida building practices with Texas's, especially since my home and almost every other one I visited in Texas was uncomfortably similar to a corrugated cardboard box covered in aluminum foil.
However, I do not understand how even the soundest structural design can protect buildings that all too soon most likely will be under sea level. Do Miami's engineers plan to float the entire city? (Not to mention the inconvenient reality that much of the peninsula is sinking.)
However, I do not understand how even the soundest structural design can protect buildings that all too soon most likely will be under sea level. Do Miami's engineers plan to float the entire city? (Not to mention the inconvenient reality that much of the peninsula is sinking.)
I have doubts about whether someone could drive now from Miami to Atlanta. The first problem would be getting gas. Here on the West coast of Florida where it looks like we will escape the worst parts of the storm, almost all the gas stations are out of gas and the ones that aren't have lines out in the streets. I-75 is jammed and traffic is at a crawl, so I-95 and the Florida Turnpike must be worse. To "evacuate" out of the State you have to leave before it is obvious you have to. Once it is obvious you need to evacuate there is nowhere to go and the roadways can't handle the volume.
24
This is a very astute observation, particularly concerning best time to evacuate. Once you end up deciding to pursue a resource that everyone else wants, especially during a time crunch, be it water, gas, space on the highway, you are at the mercy (and part of) "the herd".
People have just no idea the strain our urban centers have in terms of infrastructure, particularly obtaining supplies and access to highways. Imagine another blackout in NYC metro, this time a prolonged one lasting 2-3 weeks. Sheer bedlam and chaos.
That's why I just can't fathom what people don't understand about opposing mass immigration. It's got nothing to with nationality, and everything to do with overpopulation.
People have just no idea the strain our urban centers have in terms of infrastructure, particularly obtaining supplies and access to highways. Imagine another blackout in NYC metro, this time a prolonged one lasting 2-3 weeks. Sheer bedlam and chaos.
That's why I just can't fathom what people don't understand about opposing mass immigration. It's got nothing to with nationality, and everything to do with overpopulation.
2
I feel much the same way about emigrating from the increasingly authoritarian United State before the borders close.
How do we time our departures? Maybe, by prudently relocating before the need is obvious to most people. Denial by the many is God's gift to the prudent few.
How do we time our departures? Maybe, by prudently relocating before the need is obvious to most people. Denial by the many is God's gift to the prudent few.
What, building codes? Zoning? Mandatory disaster contingency plans? That's regulatory taking, that's socialism, that's whatever-buzzword-has-the-deplorables-captivated-at-the-moment! The private sector will solve this problem.
23
If capitalism can't solve the problem,
then it ain't a problem, right?
then it ain't a problem, right?
3
And if you are correctly informed the era of cheap wooden stick houses that did not meet the old building code were no longer allowed. A lot of the destruction was due to substandard construction.
1
Who Says that charlatan real estate agents were selling swampland in Florida? No, they made-do with it and built right over those swamps, to prove that no such thing as a swamp salesman exists in Florida. And besides the swamp is supposedly in DC, the White House.
1
The real problem with catastrophic natural occurrences is that building zoning laws and enforcement are a joke. Big money has been overruling science and common sense for too long. We can try and design stronger buildings and see to it that they are complied with, but if we continue to allow building in flood plains, or risky locations such as Miami Beach and barrier island locations there will continue to be increases in deaths and recovery costs. Inadequate zoning laws and enforcement will continue to be a problem in both large and small cities in all coastal and flood plain states.
We cannot continue to underestimate nature. Whether it’s attributed to global warming or not, these once in a lifetime occurrences are happening much too frequently to ignore and carry with business as usual once the cleanups are over.
We cannot continue to underestimate nature. Whether it’s attributed to global warming or not, these once in a lifetime occurrences are happening much too frequently to ignore and carry with business as usual once the cleanups are over.
35
Dear Mrs. Lluch--please leave now!! (And drive safely!)
3
I grew up in Miami, lived in Fort Lauderdale and then Sebastian. Been through a number of hurricanes in various houses.
Preparing for possible impact is a huge hassle.
Riding out the vicious wind and rain (and flying objects hitting the house) is as scary as anything I've ever experienced.
Digging out and then surviving no running water, no electricity, and few options for resupply - sometimes for weeks - is difficult and expensive.
The Good News: having to do and absorb all that is actually rare for whatever geographical "spot" you happen to live in the Sunshine State.
"Irma" is not a typical storm - most impacts are concentrated in a fairly narrow area.
That's why we are moving back to South Florida in the Spring.
For all its downside, the ability to enjoy the salt water life - swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating and fishing is well worth the occasional inconvenience of dealing with a hurricane.
Last, but not least- until we moved to Arizona 10 years ago (for career advantage), we never realized how much we missed living amongst GREEN foliage and life long friends there.
Preparing for possible impact is a huge hassle.
Riding out the vicious wind and rain (and flying objects hitting the house) is as scary as anything I've ever experienced.
Digging out and then surviving no running water, no electricity, and few options for resupply - sometimes for weeks - is difficult and expensive.
The Good News: having to do and absorb all that is actually rare for whatever geographical "spot" you happen to live in the Sunshine State.
"Irma" is not a typical storm - most impacts are concentrated in a fairly narrow area.
That's why we are moving back to South Florida in the Spring.
For all its downside, the ability to enjoy the salt water life - swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating and fishing is well worth the occasional inconvenience of dealing with a hurricane.
Last, but not least- until we moved to Arizona 10 years ago (for career advantage), we never realized how much we missed living amongst GREEN foliage and life long friends there.
16
Preparing properly is not an issue, its cost is. First no building in flood zones, next only concrete construction with tile roofs, then all hurricane resistant windows, doors, and especially the garage door. A generator powered by natural gas is also a great idea. Then you need shutters that are easy to employ and your survival kit with food and water. It was simple 60 years ago, it is still simple today.
5
The lessons to be learned are to do exactly opposite as to what Houston, it's mayor, the feds, the state government, and the reserves DIDN'T DO!!!!!
1. Give advance warning that those who want to leave their place or
residence do so way in advance! Don't wait until it's too late.
2. Get the Army Reserves into the storm area even before the storm is upon
you. Don't wait until the storm has almost passed.
3. Don't tell residents to stay put. If they have where to go and the means to
leave, let them.
4. Get boats prepared for any problem, and have them available before the
storm.
5. Set up a system whereby people have places to go and to stay when the
storm hits beforehand.
6. Have a system for flood victims in their homes to signal that they are in
their homes and want to be evacuated.
7. Get all 3 governments (municipal, state, and federal) to be prepared!!!
Hopefully, the advance preparation will help the flood victims to be helped out faster, and to have places for them to stay. As well, set up relief agencies ASAP.
Houston and the flooded areas were an example of WHAT NOT TO DO!
1. Give advance warning that those who want to leave their place or
residence do so way in advance! Don't wait until it's too late.
2. Get the Army Reserves into the storm area even before the storm is upon
you. Don't wait until the storm has almost passed.
3. Don't tell residents to stay put. If they have where to go and the means to
leave, let them.
4. Get boats prepared for any problem, and have them available before the
storm.
5. Set up a system whereby people have places to go and to stay when the
storm hits beforehand.
6. Have a system for flood victims in their homes to signal that they are in
their homes and want to be evacuated.
7. Get all 3 governments (municipal, state, and federal) to be prepared!!!
Hopefully, the advance preparation will help the flood victims to be helped out faster, and to have places for them to stay. As well, set up relief agencies ASAP.
Houston and the flooded areas were an example of WHAT NOT TO DO!
11
How about lowering the level in every water holding facility. Houston as I understand it had more than normal in storage, Florida is draining the system to make room. Sure there will be local flooding and storm surge, but their won't be flooding due to lakes having to be drained. Now having military ride out the storm is probably not a great idea either.
5
Wouldn't it be a lot easier to simply avoid building (or buying) in exceptionally dangerous regions such as the Florida panhandle?
Granted, the only mobility available to many poor people is government relocation when their is being taken to give to rich people. However, most residents of Florida live their by choice. So, in answer to your question, "what not to do?"
Don't live in Florida, or in Gulf Coast lowlands, in a volcano cauldron, in front of a melting glacier, in the middle of an arid forest, or other unreasonably dangerous locations.
Granted, the only mobility available to many poor people is government relocation when their is being taken to give to rich people. However, most residents of Florida live their by choice. So, in answer to your question, "what not to do?"
Don't live in Florida, or in Gulf Coast lowlands, in a volcano cauldron, in front of a melting glacier, in the middle of an arid forest, or other unreasonably dangerous locations.
1
After Andrew detailed surveys of storm damage of residential houses showed that the weakest structural feature was the garage door. Double wide, thin skinned, un-reinforced aluminum doors were the first to fail in strong winds and thus allowed wind into the house, uplifting roofs and blowing out windows. Those houses whose garage doors remained intact had less damage. In response, a garage door reinforcing kit was developed and is sold in home improvement stores and of course hurricane strength garage doors are available as well.
25
Too late for that now, but I've thought of a possible quick-fix:
Close your garage door.
Back your second vehicle right up against the door.
Put whatever heavy items you have (generator, freezer, riding lawn mower, etc.) right up against the door, also.
Disconnect your electric garage door opener by pulling down on that short rope attached to it; that will lock it down tight.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Close your garage door.
Back your second vehicle right up against the door.
Put whatever heavy items you have (generator, freezer, riding lawn mower, etc.) right up against the door, also.
Disconnect your electric garage door opener by pulling down on that short rope attached to it; that will lock it down tight.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
I always wonder what happens to the people who are already living on the edge of financial disaster. Evacuating some distance in advance of a storm, the best planning, costs money many people don't have.
21
Though they're not perfect, shelters are available, but people need to go to them 1 or 2 days before they storm hits. Most don't and wait until it's too late. The ideal time to go to the shelter is not during or after the storm.
What we once believed to be 500-year storms now are occurring once or twice a decade. Long-term planning includes changes in the building code to create an environment that can withstand 500-year or 1000-year storms. Low lying areas in Florida, Houston, New Orleans may have to be elevated eventually, and better protected by levees. It may be cheaper to pay people to move away if they currently live in areas that have suffered repeatedly, rather than to pay for rescue and restoration if they do not move.
It is essential today to embrace steps to reduce human contributions to climate change. While it is uncertain how much human activity may have contributed to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the penalty for ignoring that possibility is a human disaster if human activity is indeed a significant factor. The cost of addressing climate change is small. Jared Diamond's book "Catastrophe" traces the fall of various civilizations due to factors ignored by their citizens, and serves as a beacon for why we need to address climate change today to protect future generations. The chapter on Easter Island is particularly relevant. That civilization relied on island forests for sustenance. But forests also supplied the tree trunks used for transporting large stones from quarries to their installation sites as the now famous statues. Islanders harvested their forests without realizing that they were compromising their future generations, until too late. Now they are gone.
It is essential today to embrace steps to reduce human contributions to climate change. While it is uncertain how much human activity may have contributed to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the penalty for ignoring that possibility is a human disaster if human activity is indeed a significant factor. The cost of addressing climate change is small. Jared Diamond's book "Catastrophe" traces the fall of various civilizations due to factors ignored by their citizens, and serves as a beacon for why we need to address climate change today to protect future generations. The chapter on Easter Island is particularly relevant. That civilization relied on island forests for sustenance. But forests also supplied the tree trunks used for transporting large stones from quarries to their installation sites as the now famous statues. Islanders harvested their forests without realizing that they were compromising their future generations, until too late. Now they are gone.
9
Yes let those that are increasing their emissions not do so, we are declining. And even that won't do much at a very high cost. Let say China pay it.
Florida may have changed its approach to Hurricanes but it continues to allow widespread coastal development. This is the inherent problem because there is no natural buffer between the the strongest elements of the storm and large populations centers. More concerning is the strong storm surge that can flood thousands if not millions of people. Even if climate change is not real (which it most certainly is) these coastal areas are at significant risk of storm damage. Really, what have they learned?
11
Storm surge in Florida is not effecting millions of people, now in say Bangladesh that might be true.
This article doesn't actually outline any real plan for a major hurricane. Stores need to have generators? That's the plan? Seriously?
As I watch on TV, Florida's northbound highways are just crawling and there's no gasoline anyway for all these cars trying to evacuate. All flights were sold out as of yesterday. This "plan" isn't cutting it.
As I watch on TV, Florida's northbound highways are just crawling and there's no gasoline anyway for all these cars trying to evacuate. All flights were sold out as of yesterday. This "plan" isn't cutting it.
8
I don't understand why people are lining up to buy supplies. Why don't they just leave the area immediately--maybe by bus--to a place where there are plenty of supplies?
As far as looking for water goes, why not fill up empty bottles with tap water?
Who would stay in a place like this, knowing what is headed that way, especially after the devastation of Harvey?
The government should supply free bus or train service to Greyhound or Amtrak stations in inland states, out of harm's way.
As far as looking for water goes, why not fill up empty bottles with tap water?
Who would stay in a place like this, knowing what is headed that way, especially after the devastation of Harvey?
The government should supply free bus or train service to Greyhound or Amtrak stations in inland states, out of harm's way.
3
Or if you live there and have half a brain you have a plan. I lived 20 miles inland so our plan was to have plenty of food and water for several weeks, some extra gas for our car if we needed it. And after the storm clean up and help others. Except in some areas if you have a well constructed house there is no need to go anywhere, or buy anything. You should have everything you need.
3
We'll see.
1
Public transportation in Florida? Surely you jest? Aside from that, people who may lose everything really don't want to lose their cars. If they can get out with the car, that might be all that's left.
The two questions I have:
1) When will Florida finally elect a governor who's not a climate change denier?
2) When will Miami stop issuing building permits for high rise condominiums?
The evidence suggests the answer to both is "never."
1) When will Florida finally elect a governor who's not a climate change denier?
2) When will Miami stop issuing building permits for high rise condominiums?
The evidence suggests the answer to both is "never."
32
Why doesn't Georgia coordinate with Florida and have massive shelters available -- financed by Florida? Hotels are not the solution.
11
What about nursing homes and hospitals? Who will take all of those people in need of nursing care?
4
Because there's no point in spending money building shelters that will only be used for a few days or weeks every few years. Hotels are the best shelters, and they make money during and between disasters. Locally, buildings like schools, auditoriums, and churches need to be built to high standards, so they can be used as shelters. But building shelters for that purpose, alone, makes no sense.
4
Because that is one too expensive and two not required. There are plenty of shelters, and many can stay in their home. Now the keys are not one of those places where you could stay.
1
My husband retired from the Navy and we moved to the Florida Keys only days before Andrew hit South Florida. We stayed at the Homestead AF base officer quarters which was later severely damaged and then at the Key West base during the storm. There was a big stink about Florida toll booths continuing to collect tolls until the last minute, causing endless lines of evacuation traffic. Power was out all over the Keys for a couple of weeks, as I recall. When we had to make a trip to the Miami airport, once it reopened, we had trouble finding it because most of the signs along the highway were missing. Because of hurricane Andrew, the house we were designing to be built in Marathon was upgraded to withstand a category 4 storm. The current owners are probably happy about that right now.
17
Hey go easy on my toll booth collector brethren! A Tollbooth is a very safe place to be during a storm event. Besides if they built for type 4 hurricane, it's probably going to be surpassed by this one!
1
Tolls throughout Florida have been lifted 4-5 days in advance of approaching storms for at least 15 years now. That issue is now past.
1
I remember growing up in the Caribbean and when hurricanes arrived there was not anywhere to run to. Usually the bathroom was built as a fortress with reinforced concrete to resist the fury of the storm, no windows, strong roof and big enough to accommodate the whole family. Those who could would build the whole house as a fortress just for the storms that surely will arrive every year. As for the rain, luckily the whole island s high so it will drain fast enough to continue living, but there were always fatalities for not everybody was able to prepare for it. And the government? well that's another story. The climate is changing all right, so we better wake up to it,
30
Here's hoping that the long-term planning saves lives! (And that other hurricane- and flood-prone cities are doing the same thing.)
4
And this is just the start! Wait til the sea levels come up a few feet. Really, it's time to start thinking in much broader terms.
29
You won't be alive to see that.
It remains to be seen whether Florida has changed its building codes enough to withstand Irma. I hope so, but I am skeptical. It is likely that the codes are not strong enough because developers have a lot of political influence; because Florida is governed by the GOP, the "anti-regulation" party; because Governor Scott has outlawed discussing climate change in his government; and because Irma is predicted to travel up and down the coast and/or spine of Florida, not just across South Florida.
29
Well Gee nothing is strong enough to withstand flooding, and I bet there will be damage but nothing like say Houston. Just stronger garage doors will insure much less wind damage.
Sherry, Governor Scott called.
He wants you to please stop mentioning climate change, especially now.
Thanking you in advance.
He wants you to please stop mentioning climate change, especially now.
Thanking you in advance.
5
Would be good if lessons learned extended to highway-widths and gas shortages. I can't think of anything scarier than being stuck on a highway, in traffic, with a dropping gas gauge as a storm like this comes roaring in.
I hope it heads out to sea.
I hope it heads out to sea.
23
Its good to see that Florida is learning how to minimize the human damage from serious storms. Sadly we will have lots of practice over the next few years.
7
By starting evacuations earlier, it might be possible to evacuate more people and to avoid the backups that occur due to not enough gasoline, broken down cars. If one starts too late, one will go through a hurricane while stalled on a highway.
Evacuating huge numbers of people is not as easy as it sounds.
Evacuating huge numbers of people is not as easy as it sounds.
16