When do YOU evacuate?

[CampCreekLou]

I know is way too early for this storm to decide, but what are your parameters for evacuating?

1) # of hours before landfall?
2) # of miles from landfall?
3) Expected wind speed?
4) Kids and pets involved?
5) Age of house?
6) Government required evacuation?
7) Bridges closing?

Good luck to all.

Lou
"Flying into the Storm"

 

[Smiling JOe]

None of the above, just a gut feeling. Given the exact same circumstances, my decision to leave or stay could vary based on an indescribable gut feeling.

 

[CampCreekLou]

Will you post your gut here?

Do you typically have electricity when your gut tells you to leave?

Lou.

 

[Oldtimer]

None of the above, just a gut feeling. Given the exact same circumstances, my decision to leave or stay could vary based on an indescribable gut feeling.

What's the "SJ Gutmeter" reading now? :?:

That's true about following your "gut", but since we've been lucky so far I don't want to get complacent.

 

[Kimmifunn]

When Kurt tells us to.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Will you post your gut here?

Do you typically have electricity when your gut tells you to leave?

Lou.

I am so last minute, that I would probably be the last one allowed to go across the bridges of Walton County, so I don't know what good that would be.

Please do not base your decision to stay or leave on my actions. That makes me feel very uncomfortable. Maybe I am nothing more than a fruitcake, and a fruitcake is no one from whom to take advice.

All I will say is be safe, look out for yourself, family(includes animals), friends, and neighbors. Make smart decisions using good judgement (remember that alcohol impairs judgement), be curtious and kind in the midst all of the chaos.

 

[Smiling JOe]

What's the "SJ Gutmeter" reading now? :?:

Well, my current gutometer is tipping into the red zone. I am leaning slightly toward the get the heck out of town plan. I wonder what New Orleans is like this time of year?

Edit: 10:30pm My gut feels a bit better now. I am not sure if it is the big margarita which I just started drinking or the storm's movement more westward. I am far from relaxing in regards to H. Katrina. I think if Katrina comes anywhere close, the Gulf-front properties will be greatly affected. New Orleans, we are thinking about you guys. I know there are a few of you SoWallers over in N.O. Be safe.

 

[CampCreekLou]

No reason to feel uncomfortable, just wondering what people consider in their decision.

How about one parameter. My guess: Expected Wind Speed?

Lou.

 

[Smiling JOe]

No reason to feel uncomfortable, just wondering what people consider in their decision.

How about one parameter. My guess: Expected Wind Speed?

Lou.

Wind speed is a big concern, but more importantly for me is the location where the storm will make landfall, which is typically not know until <1 day out.

 

[Camp Creek Kid]

By-the-way, re a post on another thread, we are not basing our decision to stay or go on what SJ decides to do. He PM'd me with concern over that comment I made. I would not STAY because he did, but I sure might LEAVE if he decided to.

We left for Ivan, stayed for Dennis. I agree with SJ, its a gut feeling. Many factors are involved--path of the storm, wind speed, what side of the storm you'll be on, what kind of shelter you have, etc. Also, you should consider how prepared you are to stay and how comfortable you'll be in the aftermath (remember no air conditioning w/o electricity). Many of the above factors cannot be determined until the last minute so it is a good idea to have an evacuation plan in place even if you are considering staying.

Also, please remember that those who stay are going against the recommendation of the emergency authorities.