a terrifying time. I am a forensic engineer and have spoken with numerous people who decided to stay home during a hurricane (Hurricanes Ike, Isaac, Sandy, Ida, and a few others). Every single one of them said they would never do it again. Just the fact that you have strong winds and rain blowing all day/night can be traumatic, not knowing what you’ll see when it’s safe to go outside.

Additionally, even if your house survives, if the storm is bad enough, everyday services are lost for weeks if not months. Gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Bridges and roadways wash out. Could be a nightmare just to get anywhere. Then you have the polluted floodwater everywhere, and every body of water in Florida has snakes and gators in them. Do not walk in the water!

I served my mission in Tampa, Naples, Lakeland, Orlando, Rockledge, and a few other places. I’m praying this storm fizzles out somehow. God bless those who chose to stay.