Wonder how all of those people featured on various HGTV shows who wanted beach front living are faring…
@doschicos --“My relatives have lived through several in the islands.”
I’ve done a few hurricanes in the states but always wondered how someone on an island prepares and more importantly even recovers afterwards. So much depends on how much support is offered to rebuild etc.
I know this thread is presently focused on the US but I’d certainly like insight into what the presently devastated island areas are facing.
My H’s family in Bermuda has gone through several damaging hurricanes and storms. Houses are made of stone and normally do alright in a hurricane. Trees and vegetation get demolished and many boats end up not doing well, but houses stand (maybe some roof damage). Since they can’t evacuate they have built their homes to withstand the storms.
"I know this thread is presently focused on the US "
Of course, some of these islands are the US. 
Let’s hope government officials in DC don’t forget that while dealing with all the other disasters, hurricane and fire related.
“Since they can’t evacuate they have built their homes to withstand the storms.”
Exactly. And they stock up and prepare in other ways having hurricane type supplies at the ready often long before a hurricane threatens.
I watched the official Emergency county press conference today for Beaufort County, SC. We have a second home in HH and although we’re not there, it’s still a concern. They said that the current info coming out from the officials is that landfall is likely in coastal SC. This is going to be an impact that the area has not felt in over 100 years. Knowing what transpired with Matthew last year, this is clearly a grave situation if it comes to pass.
Having grown up in FL we are very aware of hurricane season and know that we have to have supplies on hand. There are always a few things you need last minute but we typically have enough lead time to prepare or evacuate as best we can. Ironically, I had never experienced a hurricane until I moved to NC and Hugo hit - I was 24. From the looks of I75, people in S FL are moving north. I hope everyone is safe.
For those with second homes at a distance, how do you get your home storm ready? Do you have property management people that handle it or do you just take your chances and hope for the best?
@doschicos We have a caretaker who looks after our home when we’re not there.
Actually, in HI, most of us have homes made out of wood. They are NOT designed to withstand high winds (such as hurricanes) and flooding as much of the construction is 60+ years old and even the new construction is often wood NOT stones. We are also very close to the water and just highly vulnerable all around. There was tremendous damage when Iniki struck our state some years back, some things were just never re-built.
Our FL friends are going about 1-1.5 hours inland and sheltering at a hotel that has kitchenettes.
Jose is now officially a hurricane but luckily it looks like it will curve northeast and stay out to sea.
@Sue22, I often get criticized here for being sarcastic, but I wasn’t being sarcastic when I reposted your comment a about using the excellent water available from your kitchen tap. I have posted the same thing, either in this thread or the Harvey one. Before the storm, we have safe water available from our faucets. We can fill up bottles, jugs, growlers and other containers just by turning the water on. We don’t have to buy new containers every time we get thirsty.
Sorry @“Cardinal Fang” , I did misinterpret your tone, thinking you were being sarcastic. Peace love and harmony?
Wishing good luck to everyone in the path of Irma. Stay safe!
Scary Delta flight,
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article171577632.html
^^What a crew that must have been.
I’d almost like to see an interview.
And now hurricane Katia… But it formed right off of Mexico and will make landfall there soon.
And hurricane Jose in the Atlantic…
@Sue22, Peace.
I have a couple of nieces who live in souther Fla. We have a partnership with a business on the west coast with about $30G in assets that are possibly at risk and my husband is there for business. He is scheduled to fly back home on Friday morning , but is considering an early return. The airlines seem to be doing what they can to get folks out
The tensions mounts. All my patients cancelled for Thursday and Friday, even if they live in a condo. How much furniture do you have on a tiny patio? The big gas stations are out of gas, but deliveries expected tonight. I sent a panicked patient to a station a few blocks away. Water is gone, but there are sales on soda. D batteries are out, but most of us have lanterns and plenty of DS. Lots of people are flying north. According to GOv Scott, Irma could be worse than Andrew.