clipped

I noticed after the high winds began, only the news media
(satellite trucks) were visible and you didn't even see
any police cars or fire trucks along Route 1 or A-1-A.
Are the rescue (emergency workers) ordered to stay put?

As I write this at 2:20 am Eastern time, over 800,000
residents in FL are without power, and it's getting worse
by the hour. Will it take weeks to get back to normal,
whatever that is?

Edwin

I had the good fortune to be out of work, a few years ago, and without
city water or electricity. Fortunately, I had a good supply of candles,
blankets and kerosene for lamps. December; outside temp 32. Heating
water is easy - put a pan on shelf in the oven, place votive candle on
shelf below it. Works for a can of Beanie Weenies, too ) If yer only
problem is no electricity, consider yourself fortunate. It is good
training. You can bathe in two cups of room-temp. water, although it
will not be up to normal standards )

At first, Miami-Dade had the toughest standards, after H. Andrew. Then
other areas adopted tougher rules, and the state got tougher. In our
neighborhood, flood zones have far stricter rules for new construction
and for remodels. Ground floor in flood zone has to be concrete, and
not a habitable space. If a structure is repaired or remodeled more
than 50%, it has to be raised up on stilts. The condo next to us is
four stories - all units have ground level entry, and each is four
stories to top level. Bottom level is garage and storage. A bunch of
owners made their ground-level storage space into family rooms.
Insurance company made them remove all the "improvements". Gotta be
into fitness to live on four levels ) City is lazy about enforcing
code, but I guess some ins. companies do it.

Our county doesn't like emergency people out when wind is over 40 mph.,
I think. Bridges are dangerous, and ambulances blow over. One of the
very good reasons for "mandatory" evacuations. The idiots who ignore
them, and then dial 911 when the going gets tough must think it is all
just for fun. Our county is reviewing employment of a bunch of public
health folks who didn't show up for work at shelters, which is part of
the disaster plan to provide for medical needs. My hubby stayed home
during Frances, whilst I went with friend to a motel on high ground. He
was going to protect his property with 12' storm surge, 20' waves and
100 mph wind. If I have a choice, I will not die by drowning or by
being crushed in a building that collapses. I'm waiting for Jeanne to
blow by. Last weekend was great - no hurricanes ) I'm still hoping the
next hurricane blows away all those touch-screen "voting" machines.