This will be my first direct hit hurricane. I have been through a number of near misses where we got hit by the outer edge of the storms. However this will be the first time the eye of the storm passes right over my house. At least it is only a category one storm so we should weather it fine. I have all my windows boarded up, the braces on the gazebo and the privacy fence around the pool braced so I think we are going to be fine. Of course since we live in a mobile home we will take shelter in my office building until the storm passes.
Get ready as it looks like it will be a Category 2 by the time it reaches shore. Here are some tips:
a)Don't leave your car or vehicle exposed or under trees
b)Have a radio and cellphone, the cellphone towers seem to keep on
c)Get bags of ice in a cooler and bottles of water, you may be drinking them for a few days if the regular water gets contaminated and stores are closed for repair.
d)Have a can openener, that is one I always forget, along with canned food for 3 days.
e)Gas up the car, and be prepared to go to a shelter or relatives in cause tornado like winds tear off the roof or other parts of the house.
and we will keep you in our prayers...