Gustav - - what to do?

[Tdog]

I'm in SE Louisiana on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, well inland. I'm over 150 ft. in elevation, so I'm not worried about flooding. In fact, I don't have flood insurance. And since Katrina, I had a 15 KW propane generator installed, so we should have electricity. My main concern is being hit by trees. Katrina did a number on my 25 year old metal roof that needed replacing anyway. We stayed home for Katrina & had a gazilllion trees down on my 6 acres, but none hit any of my buildings, except for my fence. So, I'm not worried about my roof this time. Like I said, it is trees. If we left I woud have two 60 lb. dogs, along with my daughter's 2 cats [she came here from New Orleans yesterday] - - might make for an interesting ride. Not sure where I would head - - somewhere north &/or east. Finding a spot to land with my menagerie may be a problem. As I mull it over, staying here may be the decision.

Like Tally, it may be a few days before I check in again.

Jack

 

[Western]

Personally I would load up my family and get the "****" out of there! I would rather sleep in my car in Nashville or where ever, than stare down a possible Cat 5 HC.
Much easier to replace a roof than a wife and kids, well at least the kids anyhoo.

 

[MikeInEburg]

I think that I would vamoose. Even if the roof blows off, you won't be fixing it during the storm. Yes, it is inconvenient and yes, it may be unnecessary. But remaining may become very inconvenient very quickly - at which point you'll be out of options. Either way, we wish you Good luck!
Mike

 

[Unclebuck257]

Get out of there while you can and play it safe!! Better safe than sorry anyday! This one is BIGGER than Kitrina!!

 

[meadowlarkponds]

I've been through a few of them, including Rita as the most recent. It is a difficult decision, no question.

Since you went through Katrina on your place, you probably have a good feel for the right answer...and this one may very well be a good deal worse than Katrina.

If it was me, I would pack up and leave and go straight north to southern Ark. or northern La. but it is a difficult decision. I wish you and yours the best!

 

[EddieWalker]

I've never been through a hurricane, so my opinion doesn't have anything to back it up. I have been through a few earthquakes, including the big one that hit the SF Bay Area in 1989.

Family safety is always number one. If you have any doubts or concern for their safety, I would make sure they are in a safe location. With your situation and your concerns, it would make sense to send them someplace safe. That said, I would probably stay there by myself. If I had family close by, I might ask for help to deal with what might happen. My brother would be my first choice, but a few of my inlaws would also be good choices.

I know of people who have removed every tree from around their homes because of the damage they cause. I might consider dropping the ones that you are worried about as insurance. In my experience, I've never missed a tree that I really liked. I have regretted keeping a tree and trying to live around it when it's in a location that isn't ideal for what I'm doing.

Good luck to you and your family,
Eddie

 

[pennwalk]

You could think of it as a well deserved vacation. Run up and see the smokies. Just beautiful. Or run up to the Badlands. I think Eddie posted some pictures last year. Better safe than sorry.

Chris

 

[Tdog]

Badlands? I was there last week. In fact I just got home a week ago after logging 6800 miles & 3 great weeks on the road. I'm stll at home- - we'll see soon how stupid my decision was. I have been through several storms, including Betsy & Katrina. Given my elevation, strength and size of the storm & distance from the projected path, I decided to stay. The 1st feeder band just went by.

Jack

 

[texbaylea]

I have been through a number of Hurricanes and in a well built house would not be concerned over anything of Cat 3 or less. Flooding is a different matter. I moved out of Dickinson, TX for that reason. We were flooded once and that is enough. Good Luck in riding out the storm. I think you may have made the better decision. If you are there you may prevent minor damage from becoming major.

Vernon

 

[tallyho8]

Tdog
The first feeder band went through here (Waggaman) about 7:30. Strong gusts of wind and heavy rain for about 5 minutes. It's been calm since then.
I'm 13' above sea level. Hope that's enough!