My preparation for Hurricane Irma

[Starla]

Just going to share my preparation for Hurricane Irma for my buns. 

Things I won’t talk about: whats in my first aid kit (i have another post about that).

So I have prepared for the storm to come! I have decided that I will not evacuate from my area. It seems that the storm is moving more east. However, need be that I have to evacuate I have shelters in my area. I really plan on staying at my house, we have seen hurricanes before and if predictions are correct the part of the hurricane we will get will be a lower category than it is now. 

Things I have bought from the dollar tree which is all I bought lol: 2 litter boxes, a bunch of electric tea light candles, 2 electric pillar candles, many packs of batteries for the electric candles, another pack of batteries to add to my AA battery collection, and clear tupperware with a screw on lit (3 pack). For me: 2 wood wick candles.

Why I bought what I bought:

 Litter boxes: In case we have to evacuate quickly and the place I evacuate to has enough room for my extra x-pen and pop-up pen. This was impulsive but I figured if they fit in my bag great. I also thought if I had to evacuate and there wasn’t a lot of room I could bring my stroller with them (have their carrier inside the stroller and let them out of the carrier when we settle in) so in this situation at least one litter box would be used. 

Battery Operated Tea Light Candles & Clear Tupperware with screw on lids: I plan on putting a tea light or 2 inside the screw on tupperware. Then with this “handmade lantern” I would put inside my rabbits cage so I can see them throughout the storm in case the power goes out. With the the pillar battery operated candles, I will put them around the cage but no inside (my rabbits would totally eat the fake wick). Yes, rabbits don’t need a light necessarily. But I need a light so I can see them.

Batteries: self explanatory. 

Now you may be wondering thats all you bought? Here’s why. #1 I have so many half full water bottles in my room and in my closet (I used to give my animals the water left in my bottles) that I can literally be set for at least a month. #2 I plan on filling up all my empty bottles I come around before the storm comes. This water will be for my rabbits and will be labeled. #3 I have a lantern, not really a flashlight but I’m sure if I look in my camping gear I can find my flashlight if need be. #4 I already have all their supplies on hand and emergency supplies for my buns (I have these supplies on hand due to past health issues). #5 I actually recently bought the normal battery size for flashlights 2 weeks ago.

I plan on preparing an emergency back before the storm comes which will include: #1 my water, #2 rabbit’s water, #3 plastic bowls for food and water (I would bring their ceramic ones but I feel like they would break them). #4 treats, #5 at least enough hay to fill up the biggest oxbow hay. #6 emergency kit with only the things that they will or may need. #6 two blankets, #7 snacks for me, #8 battery packs, chargers, electronics. # 9 there is probably more that I’m forgetting lol. 

The stroller and a litterbox and their carrier is obviously something that would come with me. 

It may not seem like much or may seem like a lot. I don’t plan on bring much for me. Putting everything important in a spot I could not see it getting damaged at. 

Like I said, I don’t plan on evacuating but just wanted to share.

Let know your thoughts!!

[Luna]

It sounds like you have everything covered, especially since there is only so much you can grab in an emergency. If I were in your situation, my list would probably look similar, in that I’d pack one thing for me (snacks) and the rest are for the buns . I know most houses in Florida don’t have basements, so maybe put your emergency pack in the bathroom/tub? I hope you and your buns stay safe!

[Mikey]

My mom (lives in FL) is putting things of importance of her and her animals up high just in case her home starts to flood. If you have a table, it might be worth clearing off and putting everything onto it to avoid damage in case of flooding. I think youre list of emergency items is awesome! Wishing you all the best!

[sarahthegemini]

You sound very prepared! Fingers crossed you won’t need to use your emergency kit but if you do, I can’t think of anything you’re missing Ooh perhaps some CC and syringes? That’s probably in your first aid kit though.

I’m wishing you and your buns so much luck that you’ll be safe and sound xxx

[Starla]

Yes! I have plenty of items that I’m putting up high. Although most of those items are already up high. I’m not worried about flooding to much because our backyard is a slope that goes to our dock. The most flooding I’ve seen has been just consisted of our dock having 1 foot of water over it. I can’t imagine this storm flooding the entire slope plus dock. (its more than a flight of stairs to get down there)

I’m getting less and less worried because of what the news is saying. The storm should be a lower category by the time it gets here and it seems the eye is more in the middle of FL or the east coast. I don’t think Irma will be worse than hurricane Charley when it comes to damage to Sarasota (my city). If i lived on Siesta Key, I would be worried. Living so close did worry me until I found out the elevation we live on!

Good Luck to your mom!! Luckily houses in FL are usually built to handle these storms. Is the city your mom lives in giving out sandbags? Here they are giving away 15 sand bags per household!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Stay safe!!!! Hope the storm is really downgraded by the time it gets your way.

[Starla]

Me too! I read it may be a category 3 by the time it hits Sarasota which is just a storm to us lol. We are FL so we know storms real well and have had a few hurricanes before in my lifetime so a category 3 where I live (granted my high altitude) is a so much better compared to anything else. I think I can handle a category 4 even. Like in 2004 with Charley (category 4) i lived in a different house that was not as sturdy as the one I live in now.. So I’m grateful and worried. Worried about the people who get the worse, and worried about the worse scenario!! 

Luckily my house is made out of cement and my roof is hurricane porof according to insurance stuff that I dont understand lol. So really I am only worried about windows getting broken.

Thanks for al the support!! It’s funny because I am a younger Floridian but I caught on the storm threat mood that we have here. I’ve lived here for 18 years and remember every storm threat we had since i was 3-4 years old. Like i said I learned my altitude for reason because if my buns are in danger than I am But after learning more about my house I am confident  and if a window break across my room, we have a room to go to. Worse scenario a shelter which ugggg. I plan on buying myself food either tomorrow or Saturday. The preschool I work is closed so I have time to stock up for myself. (pets always before me). 

Everyone in my area is freaking out, but i question their knowledge on the situation.. like I said hurricane charley took a great hit on Sarasota. I’m alive and my pets at the time lived through it. and our house was fine. I get the worry but I’m confident that I think my buns and cat wil be okay!!
My animals lives matter more than mine!! They are my kids lol!!

[Azerane]

My husband seems to think that people are underestimating the storm. If it stays east like they are currently tracking you will probably be just fine where you are. But if the path changes (like it has done several times already) and swings in through the gulf then back onto Florida you’ll get hit so much harder. It’s great that you’re getting prepared for it. Just stay safe and if you make a decision to leave, don’t leave it too late. Stay safe out there. My husband has lots of friends in Tampa and the surrounding areas. Just please don’t underestimate mother nature.

[Luna]

Sarasota?! You’re right on the coast! I would tuck one bun under each arm and book it! Then again, I’ve never lived in hurricane country so I can’t really opine on the matter.

[Mikey]

Well, my mom is near there and she said they are starting to initiate mandatory evacuations for the area. Whether you stay or are forced to leave, I wish you and your family the best of luck with the storm!

Lol, Im not sure about sandbags. What good are they for? I never was there when a bad hurricane was happening, and dont see how sandbags could help  They were given some things like wood to help board up windows, but that was about it. But, now theyre being evacuated. She said the drive out of the state might take over 12 hours because all of the evacuations going on!

My mom is not doing too well with their evac, though. She holds a sugar glider rescue (licensed) and will not be allowed to take all of them out of the state. Before they leave tonight, she is going to put their cages as up high as possible (she by a lot of water, so flooding in her home is likely) and line the outside of the cages with garbage bags leaving the top uncovered, and shes adding extra towels and food to the inside of their cages. Shes very sad about needing to leave them, but she is thankful she is allowed to take a few of them. She optd to take a couple and their 3 babies, and then her two ‘just out of pouch’ youngest pair.

[Starla]

Yup! The storm shifted and we are evacuating to my grandmas house because her house was deemed sturdy and she has her windows boarded up. Hope my grandparents are ready for 2 rabbits and my 1 cat and my moms 3 cats lol. This truly sucks. I hope I come home to a house with windows after this storm. I really am trying to think of a way to bring 2 buns and not take up a lot of room… 

Ug! This sucks!!!!

[Mikey]

Thats great your grandparents were able to take everyone in Even if its cramped, itll be worth it to know you buns are safe, even if a little grumpy lol

[Starla]

UPDATE: We got plywood and the right tool to screw plywood into cement. We are now staying home. I have planned an emergency plan with my animals to quickly flee to a closet with a closing door in case things get out of hand. Rabbits first since they are in cages and if weren’t helped first they wouldn’t be able to help themselves, then cat. Have my stroller packed with food and water. And an extra emergency bag of food and water in case I find the stroller not a good idea at the time. Our zone is not under mandatory evacuation or even voluntary evacuation. Only zone A and B are. The only reason we were going to evacuate is because of the windows since our house was built after the hurricane codes changed and our altitude and what not!

Last minute but thankful. It should be hitting us tomorrow. With the tropical storm winds starting late tonight. We are projected to have no power for a few days and possibly a few weeks depending on the damage..
I’m feeling very grateful that we have been able to now secure our house. Unless the worse possible scenario happens, my buns, cat, and I will have a home after this storm!
Stress level decreased mega

[Starla]

UPDATE: Power went out around 11:00 am. I slept in because my boarded windows made me think it was still dark out. Sev got into a bag of dried apples and destroyed it lol. Rabbits are doing great!! My sisters cats came with her to our house to evacuate and are nervous. No problems with them and the rabbits yet. My cat does great with them but these kitties have never seen them before.
Winds are pretty strong, not bad though I still think it’s safe to drive. Raining a little off and on. People still walked their dogs and some people on the roads. No curfew set here in Sarasota yet. However bridges are closed to the beaches and police are their checking 2 forms of IDs and only will let those who live there in. Police will be on the roads until deemed unsafe. Shelters are now ALL pet friendly. Not all shelters are full. People seperated from their animals at some shelters.
Rabbit who always throws stuff already tried to get rid of her handmade lantern lol. She spent a good 10 minutes trying to get rid of it.

[Azerane]

That’s good to hear, so far very lucky as for a while there it looked like Irma was tracking straight up through the gulf to where you are. Should start to power down a touch now that she’s actually hit mainland FL.

[Mikey]

Please keep updating when you can. My mom is terrified for the gliders she had to leave and doesnt know anyone staying back who can help out. She is fearing the worst because she doesnt know whats happening around there and of course the news is saying all of Florida is destroyed and under water right now. This post is helping her feel better since youre about 30 minutes away from where she lives by the sounds of it, so she can get a general idea on whats actually going on with her gliders at home.

[joea64]

From what I hear Irma has now made landfall at Naples and is down to a Cat 3 (apparently its sojourn over Cuba really broke up the storm’s power).

[Luna]

Starla: Did you guys ride out the rest of the storm ok?

Mikey: I hope your mom can get back to her gliders soon. Has she heard anything about when they will start letting people return to the area?

[Starla]

The storm hit Naples and head more east while going north. The eye went over Arcadia, instead of Sarasota. Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa got very lucky! I think the hurricane ended up dying down to a Category 1 or 2 by the time is was passing us. Wind gusts were no more than 100 mph! My house is amazing shape. No trees fell down (we don’t have many just palm trees really). Luckily we boarded up the windows by our mango (it hangs over out dock, it really in my neighbors yard) and avacodo tree, they hit our house throughout the night. Our power went out yesterday (Sunday) at 11am and has been out since. Our house is made of cement and has a metal roof that has hurricane protection. Out front courtyard (we have a wall around the courtyard) is where we spent most of out time because the wind wasn’t blowing towards it. We got to grill some food and enjoy the storm the best we could. Not a lot of rain. The rain only felt more violent when the wind gusts took it away. Mikey, is she out east from us? They got it a little worse. I would only be worried about the gliders if there is a possibility that a tree fell on the house. I left today due to no power, some houses still have power. Their are many people who had tree fall or branches fall. A friend of mine had a tree fall on her house and everything was ruined because the rain and wind entered home due to the tree. No flooding really at all. All my animals are safe as can be! I’m very fortunate! Many neighbors have fences down and tree branches everywhere.
The storm was not as bad as to put it o be.
The worst was not knowing. Having no power and my phone not getting any signal. Couldn’t access maps or updates. Our hand radio struggled to find a good station. We ended up going in a car to get updates (granted the car was away from trees). Not a bad storm surge also! My boyfriends house was in zone a (mandatory excavation zone) for storm surge and his house didn’t experience one. He lives in Venice. However, prices of his fence came undone and some screen damage.
We got very lucky!! It seems like this always happens to our area! Many have had hypothesis that we are Protected by Indians or out beach (siesta key) gives us protection. Lol I’m starting to believe it!! A category 3 or 4 would of been Devestating! Also, it should be noted that building codes are more stricter here because of storms. But some older houses may have already been built when these codes came out.
I’m safe, my pets are safe, my family is safe, and my house/cars/property faced zero damage!! Thank you for all that cared! I’m very grateful for my condition but am deeply saddened for those who got the worse effects in my area and the area that got the eye!

[Starla]

Also in my area there is no curfew, I don’t think there was one. There was in manatee county at 3pm until further notice yesterday. Also one in Tampa at 6pm until further notice yesterday!
Mikey, your mom may be able to come back depending on where she lives. Everyone is on the road today here, publix is open! There is probably someone she can contact to find out more information! I don’t think that there was major flooding!

[Mikey]

LOL @ Your Publix comment; My mom works at one near her house! Mom was reposting a lot of silly Publix memes onto her facebook through this. One was really funny; it showed the Publix sign standing tall while all other signs and tree branches were scattered across the ground during the storm, with the caption “Gave proof through the night, our flag was still there…” Mom and I both had a good laugh at that. Its funny to hear they are already open  

She got word earlier that she was allowed to return home (thank you for asking!)

She, her fiance, her fiances dad, and all of the animals packed up the car and left their hotel a day early (this morning, they were booked until tomorrow morning). She is estimated to be home in two more hours, and is really excited as I guess a news station covered her street and everything seems intact and nearly undamaged. One street near her home is completely flooded, though, she said. An entire car under water from flooding! It was a street that dipped down and was near a lake, so it was to be expected. But, at the very least, she knows her gliders are ok! Thank you again for updating when you could. It really helped her out since she had no other way to get information from her area.

Thats amazing to hear everyone got through with little to no damage! Congrats on riding out the storm safely 

[Starla]

I was quite dissapointnent in publix because I’m staying with my boyfriend who has power and no publics in osprey/Nokomis were open!! What!! But hey, they were open in Sarasota unlike Walmart and Winn-Dixie! I just wanted a sub, I’ll live lol! Glad to here she is okay!! I’m still without power, it’s been 36 hours.
I left the house because I need a blanket to sleep and don’t want to add heat with my breathing and body heat into the room with my buns. I put frozen water bottles in there cages and they don’t seems hot and this was at 6pm. I think it may just be me, my room is normally freezing cold and when it’s not I’m too hot !! Have them fresh veggies, hay, and water! Also lighted up the room. I fear my power will be out for a while . Also the fact I can’t call nor text anyone at my house, my service is dead there now! if it’s out tommorow still I’m going to hope Walmart is open so I can buy battery operated fans or wherever I can find them! I still need to get the board off my window, the breeze will help! My bf doesn’t have room for them here, worse scenario I can take see any friends are willing to take us in or see if my grandma still has space tommorow!

Side note: I used to have 2 gliders that I bought from a friend, sadly I didn’t have the time they needed to bond with me or they were already bonded to their past owner so they needed more time to bond which I didn’t have at the time with high school and all luckily I found a rescue that sounds a lot like your moms!! They took them in with open arms ! I didn’t want to sell them because I feared what happened with me would happen with someone I sold them too so I gave everything I bought for them and their cage to the rescue since they were so generous to help me!

Maybe I’m just more appealing to rabbits lol!! They bonded to me right away!

[Mikey]

Lol! Thats great that even Walmart wasnt open, but Publix was! I havent been to one yet (mom only moved to FL a two years ago and shes my only family there so she usually visits up here instead), but I really want to go to one whenever I can visit her. Theyre iconic to me at this point

Mom is not without power, but several houses in her neighborhood are. She asked one of them if they have any idea when power will be back for them (shes taken in their three cats in the meantime), and in some places it will be worked on in the next day or two. Hopefully your home gets electricity soon! I think phone service is out in a ton of areas in FL right now. My moms phone service is only working about half the time, so she has been updating me through facebook and having me call family members to update. Does electricity being down effect phone service? Hopefully if your power doesnt come back soon, Walmart will be open for you to get what you need

Thats cool! Thats how my moms rescue started, lol. A girl was selling three online because she had to go off to college and the school would not allow her to keep them in her dorm. My mom bought them, fell in love with them, then worked on getting a rescue together since she started seeing more and more people giving them away and selling them for similar reasons. Now shes got about 14 with tons of cages around the room, and theyre all incredibly spoiled, ha! I gotta say, based on what my moms told me about them, bunnies are much less work It takes a lot to bond with gliders and get them to trust you.

[Starla]

Oh trust me publix and Winn-Dixie is all I ever have known! (Used to be cash and carry (I don’t know how to spell it) and public only !! Lol! I remember going up north and seeing a food lion for the first time! Also remember seeing that New Jersey only sold one case of beer per person at a grocery store lol (my dad was mad, we ended up at his cousins place in nj because all the alcohol stores closed and the grocery stores had limited buying. This time was when I was 17 and saw snow for the first time in my life (not a lot it was I think April and we drove more into PA, my dad grew up in. Gettysburg burg but was born in geely, co. We were in NJ for a funeral which was wonderful! (She lived a great life before having to move out of nc outer banks)! But we sure love our publix!! publix is a favorite with us because they have quality stuff and staff! I’m not sure if the electric effect phone service. I think a sprint tower is down in the area I live. Down the street, I have no service too. This was expected !! So many traffic lights are out I passed maybe 5-8 on my way to osprey! Luckily I go to college at SCF Venice which is 30 mins away from my house, no dorm needed! Although the it’s a community college, it’s so much cheaper and I can get my degree there! (I’m a preschool teacher). If I had gliders now while in college I may have been able to keep them. I’m just happy they’re in good hands !! I hated making their food with that sneezing chicken baby food lol!! Glad your mom is ok!!
I won’t get power for a while! It sucks! I may sleep at my grandmas tommorow with my buns if I think it’s too hot.
I wish they did it in order from when ur power went out!! I can’t stres that’s enough !! I need new veggies but scared to buy Some because of the power situation . I hope it doesn’t taken a week since we were the first out of everyone we knew out of power. !!

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