I have a tendency for worrying and planning in advance so that's what's motivating this email. Out of curiosity, how do you think SoWal would fare after a major hurricane like Katrina? For example:
1. What parts would be likely to be most and least harmed by wind/rain (For example, it makes sense that people who aren't on the beach, who are on dunes will fare better than people who are on the beach and on flat land -- Kurt gave some idea of which areas are most at risk.)? What, if anything, would be predicted to be left standing or not completely damaged?
2. Aside from building at or above hurricane code, boarding up windows, and bringing everything inside, is there anything else one can do to protect one's home? What is the best protection for windows and doors? Does this plywood we use work well? Do shutters work as well and what makes for a good versus a poor hurricane shutter? (I heard one of the worst problems is that water seeps in under french doors and damages floors and causes mold very quickly.) I have a friend who's mother's house was across the street from the beach and up on a dune and survived Katrina (whereas all those on the beach were gone). So, some places did survive Katrina.
3. What would the recovery process look like? Is there a way to find out what the local plan is for disaster relief (e.g., it seems like the disaster recovery plan from Louisiana and Mississippi left much to be desired)?
4. Is there anything we can do as owners to encourage SoWal to have a comprehensive and practiced plan in advance (if there isn't one already -- for example, how would the roll-out of services go)?
5. What is the best way for us all to help each other out during an emergency, even from a distance? What information would we need and how would we get it (assuming this board would be out if power isn't available).
Ideally, we won't have to worry about this, but reality is that a 4 or 5 hurricane could happen to us. How do we set ourselves up to be role models of compassion/efficiency/safety before, during, after a hurricane?
This board certainly plays a role! And we'd want our board members all to leave the area and stay safe!
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic13,303 views
Replies
96
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertMaybe this is where us folks who don't live in SoWal could help. We would still have phone access. If your cell phones would work (hopefully) you could contact one of us and we could post any message or relay any message to you guys.
Kurt mentioned that we are assuming a complete wipeout of cell towers. During Hurrican Ivan, the cell towers were so clogged that I was not able to make a call until 4 days after the storm passed. Also, my phone showed that I had 30+ messages, but I was never able to retrieve them.
I understand that text messaging works much better than actual calls for cellular phones when the towers are jammed.
DBOldfordDBOldfordBeach FanaticNapa Valley, CA990 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
A strong Cat IV or V storm would destroy most structures south of Hwy. 20 and the bridges beyond recovery, with or without a major storm surge. How many people in South Walton remember Gulfport, MI after Camille in 1969? Plywood on windows would be a useless and possibly dangerous deterant to damage. Even Ivan loosened the plywood on our windows almost to the point of its being ripped off. I shudder to think of that huge piece of plywood soaring off of our second story windows, an airborn missile in hurricane-force winds. On the plus side, however, the new building codes are very effective. We have had absolutely no structural damage through several big storms over the past year and we looked very carefully to make sure of that.
Every person in an area threatened by such a storm should simply get out and head for a safer haven, as soon as possible. Everything else is just stuff and can be replaced. We had renters in our house who refused the orders to evacuate before Hurricane Dennis, so very foolish. Their reason? They were having a fmaily birthday party and were just in tears that they might never be able to rent this special house again. :idontno:
FYI, flood insurance through FEMA is not expensive and it carries only a $500 deductible, whereas hurricane insurance carries a $10,000 deductible. We had some minor damage due to storm surge after Ivan. We received a check for the entire claim before our charge card expenses for cleanup were even received. Everyone should carry flood insurance in a coastal area. I would argue that anyone living in Florida should carry it, for that matter.
Every person in an area threatened by such a storm should simply get out and head for a safer haven, as soon as possible. Everything else is just stuff and can be replaced. We had renters in our house who refused the orders to evacuate before Hurricane Dennis, so very foolish. Their reason? They were having a fmaily birthday party and were just in tears that they might never be able to rent this special house again. :idontno:
FYI, flood insurance through FEMA is not expensive and it carries only a $500 deductible, whereas hurricane insurance carries a $10,000 deductible. We had some minor damage due to storm surge after Ivan. We received a check for the entire claim before our charge card expenses for cleanup were even received. Everyone should carry flood insurance in a coastal area. I would argue that anyone living in Florida should carry it, for that matter.
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorThanks, everyone so far. This is a very interesting and useful discussion. Some people got some new advice (e.g., flood insurance), and there are some interesting areas of discussion that may help people's homes (e.g., what kind of window protection -- plywood, shutters, other) at least to a high cat 3/low cat 4 storm.
The bridge situation would be critical. Does anyone have an arial view or map that shows exit and entry routes, including bridges and/or alternatives? Is there any way to leave or get to So. Wal without going over a bridge, even if it's a long route? If not, what boat services would be available (would one have access if they had access to private/charter boats or would private boats be kept out?).
I hope we never have to use any of this advice, but there's some peace of mind to having it!
The bridge situation would be critical. Does anyone have an arial view or map that shows exit and entry routes, including bridges and/or alternatives? Is there any way to leave or get to So. Wal without going over a bridge, even if it's a long route? If not, what boat services would be available (would one have access if they had access to private/charter boats or would private boats be kept out?).
I hope we never have to use any of this advice, but there's some peace of mind to having it!
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,471 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,471 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminSoWal is an island - bridges in each direction.
To the East is the Phillips Inlet Bridge over Lake Powell which would disappear quickly from surge. Same thing for the Marler Bridge at east Pass in Destin.
That leaves the Clyde B. Wells - 331 causeway and Bridge, and the Mid-bay bridge in Destin. It's possible one of those could survive, but unlikely. I guess it would depend on the wind direction.
To the East is the Phillips Inlet Bridge over Lake Powell which would disappear quickly from surge. Same thing for the Marler Bridge at east Pass in Destin.
That leaves the Clyde B. Wells - 331 causeway and Bridge, and the Mid-bay bridge in Destin. It's possible one of those could survive, but unlikely. I guess it would depend on the wind direction.
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expertmost of the boats would be destroyed or grounded, or treed (if there is such a thing). Many of the boats run up Four Mile Creek in Freeport and tie off, but with a Cat 4 or 5, they would be gone. My kayak and canoe may prove useful if someone can untie them before the flood comes. One thing is for sure, you wont see me sticking around for such a storm.
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorGlad you won't stick around. Take anyone who is tempted to stick around with you, SJ. Everyone would take very good care of you and others!
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertGlad you won't stick around. Take anyone who is tempted to stick around with you, SJ. Everyone would take very good care of you and others!
I know you would. I thank the many of you who have offered me places to stay. I may take you up on the offers one day. I will be glad to cook, clean, do chores, etc, or just have a glass of lemonade over a long conversation. Bless you all.😀
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorAs I said earlier, you or anyone else is welcome in Michigan. The weather here is very nice in the summer/fall during southern hurricane season. the snow storms typically don't start until Halloween (just kidding -- we almost always get to November before the snow hits!). Our summers here are wonderful because the weather is very nice (can get hot like SoWal, though, but not for so many days in a row typically), it's a university town with all the restaurants, movie theatres, etc., but most of the students are gone for the summer and the town is quiet and easy to manage. We can do hurricane central from here...
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertAs I said earlier, you or anyone else is welcome in Michigan. The weather here is very nice in the summer/fall during southern hurricane season. the snow storms typically don't start until Halloween (just kidding -- we almost always get to November before the snow hits!). Our summers here are wonderful because the weather is very nice (can get hot like SoWal, though, but not for so many days in a row typically), it's a university town with all the restaurants, movie theatres, etc., but most of the students are gone for the summer and the town is quiet and easy to manage. We can do hurricane central from here...
Where are you located? I attended some classes at MSU, which has a beautiful campus.
Uncle TimmyUncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Uncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI don't want to be doom and gloom, but I also don't want anyone to have a false sense of security. I've resisted posting this because I don't want to scare anyone. However, my husband was told by the head of the Walton County Building Dept. that 30-A (and Hwy 20) would have been "whiped-out" by Katrina. The new building code has helped, but no construction can be strong enough to withstand winds much greater than 130 m.p.h. Concrete construction is definitely the best way to go and if we build another house near the coast, we are going to build one with reinforced concrete.
That said, the large Cat 4 and 5 hurricane are very rare and there is a lot we can do in preparation and construction to withstand the more common smaller storms.
I disagree that 30-A and Hwy 20 would be "wiped out". Again, I wouldn't advise anyone to stay for a Category 4-5, but I would expect that most of us would return to damaged, but intact houses.
As backup to my claim, I would like to direct everyone to aerial images of coastal Mississippi taken yesterday by NOAA. Please go to http://ngs.noaa.gov/storms/katrina and look at images of Gulfport. The debris line (from storm surge) extends a distance inland; but the houses north of that are basically intact, with roofs still on.
I'm not trying to minimize the extend of damage here, but just present a reasonable assumption of what a Cat 4-5 landfall in south Walton might bring.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,471 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,471 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminWe sure do have a lot of variety in quality and type of construction around here. Some builders are shoddy and some overbuild. Assuming codes are met, door and window quality and proper installation makes the difference on whether your envelope remains intact. Lose one pane and your (stickbuilt) house is gone.
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorWhere are you located? I attended some classes at MSU, which has a beautiful campus.
__________________
I believe Thoreau wrote something refering to that which is important -- (not in so many words) It is not the number of shirts you own, but the number of shirts you wear out.
Smiling JOe
The Business School at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. We love it here (except for the cold weather). I have a very good friend who teaches in industrial relations at MSU and lives in Okemos -- it's a great school. MSU is in a beautiful location, too, and they -- along with Ohio -- are our biggest rivals during football season (but I don't pay any attention to football...).
Ok, SJ, we're getting off topic (what did you study at MSU?)... Ok, let's get back to saving SoWal... we need a communication system ready to go and some boats to come in to get people to their homes when they need to get back and it's considered safe (and to bring food and water in). Where would the closest available boats be that we could recruit given all our boats would likely be inoperable?
__________________
I believe Thoreau wrote something refering to that which is important -- (not in so many words) It is not the number of shirts you own, but the number of shirts you wear out.
Smiling JOe
The Business School at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. We love it here (except for the cold weather). I have a very good friend who teaches in industrial relations at MSU and lives in Okemos -- it's a great school. MSU is in a beautiful location, too, and they -- along with Ohio -- are our biggest rivals during football season (but I don't pay any attention to football...).
Ok, SJ, we're getting off topic (what did you study at MSU?)... Ok, let's get back to saving SoWal... we need a communication system ready to go and some boats to come in to get people to their homes when they need to get back and it's considered safe (and to bring food and water in). Where would the closest available boats be that we could recruit given all our boats would likely be inoperable?
Edited
Uncle TimmyUncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Uncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
SGBSGBBeach FanaticSouth Walton1,034 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
SGBBeach FanaticSouth Walton1,034 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFYI, flood insurance through FEMA is not expensive and it carries only a $500 deductible, whereas hurricane insurance carries a $10,000 deductible. We had some minor damage due to storm surge after Ivan. We received a check for the entire claim before our charge card expenses for cleanup were even received. Everyone should carry flood insurance in a coastal area. I would argue that anyone living in Florida should carry it, for that matter.
We have flood insurance on our houses, but at the time that I got it I was told that there was a cap of $250,000. I've recently heard that you can buy additional flood coverage. Does anyone know if this is true?
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.