Current Events

Hunkering Down

by Robert
Hurricane Helene hit Florida the day after my shoulder surgery. Milton is on course to hit the day before my two week follow up. David was here for the first one and Mike’s here now. Mike’s the most prepared member of my family, so I’m in good hands. He started prepping when he moved to California almost twenty years ago. He’s got at least two “go” bags out there in case of earthquakes and wildfires.
He inspected my Florida home from top to bottom and organized a first aid station in one of the bathrooms that we hope remains untouched. We’re hunkering down and sheltering in place. We’re expecting a lot of wind and rain. I’m not concerned about flooding because I’m a hundred miles from the coast. If Milton sends a tornado our way, we’ll be in my closet with a mattress pulled up over us in case of falling debris.
Several Michigan family and friends have checked in to see if we’re alright. We are. If you’re planning to check in, please consider this next set of observations. I didn’t write them. I saw them on Facebook.
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Dear everyone who doesn’t live in Florida but loves someone who does; here are some things you need to know about hurricanes.

🤔

They don’t come until they come, so if you ask us how we are 72 hours before we expect the winds to start, don’t be surprised if we tell you we’re fine. Please believe us. We’re actively preparing, and we’re watching the forecast more closely than you are, but we’re truly fine at the moment.

🌀

Hurricanes are unpredictable. No matter how good the models are, hurricanes often demonstrate a mind of their own. We’re always hoping and praying for a turn or “wobble” that sends the monster further from civilization. But if you ask us what’s going to happen three or four days from now, we honestly don’t know for sure and neither do the meteorologists.

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An entire state can’t evacuate. Everyone packing up, jumping into their cars and heading north may seem like a great idea. However, the truth is that those of us in “safer” regions generally need to stay put to reserve the roads, gas, hotel rooms, shelters, plane tickets, etc. for the most vulnerable folks who live on the coast in the storm’s path (where evacuation orders exist). Some inland folks may choose to leave, but most of us stay put and follow the instructions of our local governments.

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We truly appreciate your love and concern, the offers to stay in your homes, etc. Know that the national media is doing a pretty good job of stirring up your anxiety. Our local weather teams are much calmer and more knowledgeable about how the hurricanes affect our area. They are working nonstop to give us updates and telling us to prepare. We trust them. When the tie comes off, the sleeves are rolled up, and we’re told to hunker down, we’re ready.

🙏

Of course we’re worried, but we’re trying to do all the right things to prepare and not freak out.

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Thanks for offering words of love and encouragement and not jumping on the freak-out wagon – it just makes it harder on us.

There were fifteen extra pilots on Michael’s flight from Dallas to Orlando last Monday. They were flying to Orlando so they could fly aircraft to safe havens out of Florida. They didn’t know where. They just knew “out”.

I received a text yesterday from my insurance company telling me how to file a claim, so they must be concerned.
Publics, one of the largest grocery chains in the area, closed at 6 p.m. last night and they don’t plan to reopen until 6 p.m. on Thursday, so that should tell you something. Mike did make a last-minute pie run, so we have pie to help us get through the next couple of days.
And then there’s this group of friends and neighbors who have assembled their trucks just in case. They’re parked around the corner.
We’re as ready for Milton as we can be.

6 thoughts on “Hunkering Down”

  1. Hi Bob—I’m glad you are as prepared as you can be and that your son is with you—only question is: did he bring two pies? One would be my quota if I were there!! Will be thinking of you.

  2. Bob, this was so perfect, that’s how I feel with all my Michigan friends!
    Stay safe and if you need anything Bob don’t hesitate to call me.

  5. Hi Bob~ The National news is forbiding. I am glad you are safe and I am glad Micheal is with you. It is lovely here in northern MI. The evenings are getting cooler, but we have had great weather that won’t last last much longer. Love to Micheal. Take care of yourself.

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