Post #111892 by cybertiki on Wed, Sep 1, 2004 8:42 PM

yep. Like I said, these things are dangerous - no question. 12 hours of Hell is an accurate description ... on the other hand, when you're huddled under a mattress with two beautiful women and everyone thinks they're about to die, you can have some really interesting conversations.

Some serious advice; if you're leaving the house, wrap your most valuable items (including your hard drives) in a nice snug blanket and put them in your dishwasher. It's heavy, anchored in place, keeps water in, and also keeps water out (it saved a lot of my stuff in Andrew). Duct tape on the windows is BS - use the duct tape to tape together anything and everything outside of your house that can't otherwise be tied down. If you have inconsiderate neighbors, who won't pick up the crap in their yard that is likely to end up coming thru your windows (or the side of your house) buy a big fat heavy chain and padlock, and tie their stuff to the nearest tree, fence, automobile ... whatever. Lock the chain with the padlock, and throw out the key (I did this too). Before you leave the house, fill your tub with water, pack towels on the bottoms of the windows and doors to absorb as much water as possible, turn off water/gas/electricity at your main switch/valve, lock your door, and get out.

See ... I DO know what to do - I'm just sick of all the hype that goes on each time they pull the drill. Having seen the worst that can happen in natural disasters (meaning loss of life), I tend to worry less about property and "stuff" than I do about personal safety. I have said that if it looks like I'm in a zone that's going to take a direct hit, I'll pack the family in the car and get out. This is the advice I'd also give to others. We'll know by Friday, so I still have roughly a day and a half to make a decision ... so, no rush yet.

Cheers!