One thing Katrina taught us is that we sure would like to have a way to contact people if their area is impacted by bad weather, to be sure they all right and to see if there is anything we can do to help. With Rita threatening to impact the TX coast, I am encouraging those along the coastal areas to please give your ph# and/or cell# to someone/everyone you trust, so we can try to contact you in the event that something bad happens. In turn, those people can give you their contact info so you can check in. Sometimes computers are not available, either because of electricity or because of relocation. I understand that cell and ph service can be spotty also, but it's usually at least partly working. We are still trying to contact people in LA, MS, and AL who we haven't heard from since Katrina. They may be fine, but we don't know, because we don't have contact info.
Be careful out there!
Maggie
edited to add:
You can d-mail someone with your info, so that it isn't "public" on the forum.
This message was edited Sep 19, 2005 11:26 AM
Hurrican Rita, just in case....
Here is a link to a thread on the Katrina Forum. mystic is keeping a database of contact info for anyone on DG who wants to give the info. The information will not be given out, it is strictly for use in trying to contact members who may be in need, to confirm their status. We can't help people if we don't know they need help.
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/544017/
Good idea, maggie. We need this info ahead of time if this hurrican hits our coastline. The individuals can also state to where they have evacuated, if they have. If so, we are able to at least know where they are going in case they are near one of us so we are able to assist them if we are able to do so.
Thanks Maggie for posting the link to the thread. I was coming to do just that. Please everybody if you are in the line for Rita if you don't want to send me your emergency contact then please share it with a DG friend that doesn't live in the same area. I just updated my post on the Katrina thread I am keeping 2 list one for people that just want me to have the information and I will not share with anybody. The other for people that feel 2 people need their information then I would share that list with Vic another long time trusted member of DG. Nobody eles would get your information. Stay safe everybody.
Not a gallon of water hardly to be found in Houston right now--think I cleaned Kroger's out of batteries.....
Yeah, trois said he was shopping and it was like Christmas shopping out there!
I better get on the stick tomorrow, just in case.
Thinking of all of you and praying for your safety in the coastal areas ...
I pray that everyone will be all right. Although this evenings' weatherman said they would have to wait til Rita reached the Gulf to be more accurate, the predicted landfall area is the Houston area. My husband's Mom, sister and brother live in Houston. I'm afraid my mother-in-law will insist in staying.
Very good advice Maggie! I just talked to my son and family in Galveston. They are boarding up their house and will probably be leaving the island today. My son said he expected them to let school out early today for the voluntary evacuation. The mayor hasn't announced a mandatory evacuation yet but they think he will. I'm glad my son and family aren't taking any chances. They will travel to Brenham and stay with friends.
Lin
John [Way2] sent msg thru me to you guys:
Whats left of her (Rita) will be very near my place early Sunday morning. Bad time to be away from DG. Tell everyone I miss them sumpin awful.
He's watching it, not being on here is no fun. ~Blooms
We are pretty safe up here, but when H Alicia came through in '83, the wind and rain reached way up here, causing power outages and downed trees. If we lose power and I'm by myself, I'll just head to Brenham myself, as I have family there.
A friend of mine from work lives in Lake Jackson, her son is supposed to be getting married Sat. The rehearsal dinner is supposed to be in their beach house Fri night!
Awww, John! We miss you!
Thanks Blooms!
I hope your friend is working on a good plan B, Maggie! We're not worried about flooding here, but we have some BIG pecan trees overhanging our roof, so if it gets up to a Category 4 or higher we'll go stay with Charles' sister in The Woodlands.
~ Marylyn
Somebody was just looking up info on H Alicia that came through here in '83. We had 4 or 5 days of rain before it hit, so lots of trees were lost - more downed trees than any other storm in recorded history!
My poor friend. Her husband still wants to wait 24 hrs before deciding whether to postpone the wedding. She said 1/2 the people have already left, it's not likely that the relatives from Cleveland OH will fly in as planned tomorrow, nor the group from Lebannon on Thursday.
They may aim for an Oct 8th wedding.
yes, I 'm a little worried about trees (saying "a little" because I can make myself crazy pretty quick LOL). Not just them falling, but the cleanup that follows! It usually takes DH & me 3 days of non stop work to take care of one tree. I have several old oak trees that might not stand to high winds.
OK that's it. I won't think about this any more
Just anybody leaving for safer ground, please let us know!
Well folks, I am in line with that Storm Rita..My hubby and I are staying here and on high ground..so no chance of flooding... I will keep in touch to let ya'll know what is going on here in my area..
Nadine
Thanks Nadine!
I should be okay too, but like Nadine and Maggie, get lots of wind and rain. I live about an hour north of Houston, but I also live in a mobile home surrounded by a lot of big oak trees. I'll be leaving my info with Seedpicker_TX, since she's farther north of me. Should I have to leave for whatever reason, I'll probably head up to my dad's place up near Palestine.
I was still in high school when Alicia hit (but I won't say what YEAR in high school haha!), living in a town not too far from Nadine, and I remember we didn't have electricity for almost 2 weeks. I'm trying to relay to my kids the seriousness of this since they've never been through a hurricane, but they don't get it (yet, anyway). I don't think the reality of what they've been seeing on TV about Katrina has gotten through to them, which I don't understand...we were trapped on the 610 Loop back in 2000 when Allison dumped all that rain on us, and they were scared to death that we'd never get home. Fortunately for us, we ended up on a high part, and never had a problem with the water, but we didn't get home to Baytown until almost 1 am. *sigh* How soon they forget...
Depending upon where it makes landfall and strength (probably will be a Cat. 5), Rita can have devasting effects here in San Antonio too. I hope those who are in my area and more inland locations and who have not experienced one coming inland take heed. I am listing things we are doing to be prepared for an onslaught of high winds and rain. I am doing so that people will realize that those living in near coastal inland areas should be preparing for Rita's visit if there is a chance not matter how small that the area will be in her path.
We have started to prepare for electrical outages (electricity goes out here even when there isn't a storm) by setting up our propane cooktop and propane lanterns, putting a large, large ice chest and several smaller ones in the garage to be filled with ice to save the food in the refrigerator and freezer (have turned the temperatures to their coolest settings), bought extra batteries for the radios and finally found the weather radio, bought a new battery for the large hand held spotlight, ordered and will pick up our medications in case the pharmacy has no electricity and will obtain some onhand extra cash, We might even setup the electrical generator which can supply the whole house with electricity if it looks like that we will be hit hard so we will have airconditioning and be able to watch TV. We will fill the cars up with gas because if there is wide spread electrical outages, the gas stations won't be able to pump fuel. We have obtained bottled water and boxes of matches also for lighting the propane lanterns, the propane cooktop and candles. I have made sure that the nonelectric canopener is handy.
Flooding is a main concern in San Antonio and many people die here just in "normal" floods. I have made sure that my neighbor has nothing blocking the drainage area between our homes. During one of the torrential rains here this spring, water flooded our garage because he had stuff blocking the drainage area. The "fake" riverbed in my yard that serves as a drainage area for the water that pours through my yard during floods from the homes to the west of mine is being cleared of dead leaves and debri and the plants in containers sitting in it are being moved so there will be a clear path for the water to flow. Any food shopping and buying pet supplies, bill paying, obtaining food and medications for my Mother and anything else that needs to be done that requires traveling will be completely now so that we will not have to venture out.
Wind is the other problem. I am securing my greenhouse to the main posts of our privacy fence and making sure that the tie down ropes' pegs are securely in the ground. All hanging baskets and tender plants in containers are going into the greenhouse. Other weak stemmed plants are being staked. Limbs near the rooftop and sides of the house and above where the cars are parked are being trimmed back and the limbs hauled off. Anything that can be blown around (plastic chairs, rubber trashcans, etc.) is being secured or moved where it can't be flung about. Birdfeeders, windchimes and wind ornaments that can hit into windows or the means of suspension can break will be taken down.
Remember that tornados frequently accompany hurricanes so the above preparations also are being made as a precaution in case tornados touch ground in my area. There is not a lot I can do to protect my plants from hail except to move any expensive, tender and/or plants I don't want destroyed due to their sentimental value that are in containers into my greenhouse.
I hope that I have provided some suggestions as to how one who can be ready for Rita and to emphasize the importance of realizing the far reaching effects she can have.
Hazel, thank you for your suggestions. The weather forecast indicates that hurricane force winds will make make it all the way into Fayette County. I hadn't thought about empty plastic pots flying around. While most of the ranch is on high ground, we do have a seasonal creek that floods cutting off a section of our property. The danger is that some of our cattle can get caught in the low areas. The creek also traps us behind a low water crossing. Otherwise, having lived in earthquake country most of my live, I've learned to be ready for an emergency.
Well thought HTOP, NOAA is forcasting it still as a TS when it gets up to the Dallas area, it doesn't get back to a depression till halfway across OK. I think we all need to tie down and move the loose stuff away. We will also be taking down the awning over the patio - it is vulnerable in high winds never mind the TS variety.
I was on the road when the cat 1 hit the UK back in the 80s - the one the weather men told us wouldn't happen, the night before it arrived at 1 am ! I don't want to do that again for anything - it was not much fun, even in a low sided small car, and I was nowhere near the center.
This message was edited Sep 21, 2005 12:08 PM
There was a run at the grocery store in La Grange today. The forecast is for Cat 1 winds as the hurricane passes over this area. I'm moving all potted plants into the greenhouses, hoping the greenhouses stay up. Otherwise, the small pots will become flying missles. We move the cattle to higher ground on Friday to keep them out of the wooded areas and the creek. I don't want dropping tree branches or falling trees killing any more cows.
Ernest mowed the grass this morning and then started cutting boards to cover the north and east windows.
I filled 6 gal bottles with water (2 people x 3 days) and have been doing laundry. I'll be going grocery shopping for non-perishables late tonight in hopes of missing some of the crowds.
Thursday night we'll decide if it's necessary to bring my 100's of potted plants into the house. If it is there's a chance we'll be heading out to Kerrville, taking my big truck and trailer with us, and staying at our place there.
wish there was some plywood left to be had in Houston....cell phones are all down now due to people talking so0 much...suspect roadrunner to be down soon.....
I'm riding it out with a 16 year old, no place to go...we are out on the west side hwy 6 by farm and ranch club. We should be ok except for winds. We got a very full day tomorrow just picking up hoses, pots, etc. Luckily got 15 bags of mulch in garage, will make great sand bag substitutes.
I'll be shopping late, too, hoping to miss the crowds. Adam will be up here late tomorrow, guess we'll get the heavy stuff moved in on Friday - tomorrow I'll move the light stuff. I'm starting to "feather" a nest in the hallway, where we may have to sit out high winds and/or tornados.
It's the laundry room for us.....Got 2 twin size mattresses. Everything in the yard will get done tomorrow--the hummers are in a frenzy, guess they sense something coming. Got all the paperwork together in a plastic (huge) waterproof bubble mailer, those file folders slid right in. You can probably still pick those up at walgreen's. I cleaned them out of deep woods off this am on the way to work--maybe can barter them for more "D" batteries after the storm passes!
Last night and most of today, the storm tracking predictions were of Rita's eye passing either over us or very close to us. This evening the path seems to have taken a more northerly turn. It looks like we'll be west of the eye unless she changes her mind again.
Traffic is at a near standstill north of shepherd which is appx 60+ miles of Houston.
This is hwy 59.
It took me 4 hours this afternoon from houston to here.
It was moving fairly good till recently. Propably a bottleneck at tha Trinity river.
Should clear up some. I'm 14 1/2 miles from Livingston.
Yeap, its moving at a good clip now!
Good to see you Charlie!
Good to see ya too maggiemoo
I jus see on ch 2 traffic on I-45 ta Spring, thousands of cars etc.
If they were moving it was inches at a time.
They commented they were letting people get off to fuel up and allow them back on.
-
Kind of in your neighborhood huh!
Don't believe I'd go to work tamorrow lol.....
I was in Houston during Carla whatever in 1960-61 I think.
This one might be worse, and I'm not young and stupid anymore.
Be safe!
We're going to head to The Woodlands to my sister-in-law's house tomorrow. We're too tired to think right now, so we're going to bed and we'll finish packing and bug out in the morning. :-) I'm sure I'll be in here at least one more time before we go. God's great blessings to you all!
Oh, and for what it is worth, KTRH's FM "associate" stations will be carrying their live 24 hour weather updates starting in the morning. I can't find a list of those on their webpage, but assuming they meant all of the FM stations that Clear Channel owns in town, that would be:
KHMX 96.5
KKRW 93.7
KLOL 101
KODA 99.1
KTBZ 94.5
Love, prayers, and blessings to you all,
~ Marylyn
I live just down the road from Charlie (Hi, Charlie!! *waving*), and my husband is looking at going into Houston to secure the computers and a few things at the office and come back home...I don't like it, and think it's pointless, really. I think maybe he should go in the wee hours of the morning so it doesn't take him forever to get back home. (Good thing we know the backroads that are probably not going to be nearly as congested at the freeways.) I haven't told him, but I secretly hope that they close the freeways inbound so he can't go in. What's to be gained by turning off computers that are probably going to be ruined anyway??
I'm watching Channel 2 KPRC right now, and it's being predicted at going in at Freeport at a Cat. 4. That makes it a little worse for us on the dirty side...I don't mean to wish ill on anyone, but the thing can stop moving my way anytime, now! :-((
QueenB, it is hard to wish this away from us, knowing that means wishing it towards others, huh? Yeah, I was watching ch 2 also. They're saying if it does come in @ Freeport (as it looks now), we could have 100 - 115 mph winds here!
Charlie, it took me an hr and 20 mins to go 10 mis N on I-45 today (from work near The Woodlands, to Conroe.) I am NOT going to work tomorrow! I love my boss, she's so understanding.
Marylyn, we'll practically be neighbors, lol!
I'm going to bed, need to get up early and see if I can find flashlights and/or candles. Prayers for all.
Night all!
Hi all we live will be leaving??? DH wor said they have to pull 12 hrs tomorrow in baytown. But baytown will be mandatory evacuated at 6:30 am. I don't see how they can make them work.
He is out of any paid vacation or sick days so I am sure not pay if no work. But oh well. Got alot together to go. Don't know about it being all the important papers we need but I am sure we will manage.
I have no clue where we will go and no way to get to computer so just pray for us. No money for hotel. But we can sleep in truck with our2 doxies.
Gotta go finish up I am tired.
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
Sandy, I'm wondering if they asking for the employees to help secure the workplace for the hurricane so there are jobs to return to. Employers in the midst of such a huge weather event are scrambling like everyone else to do the best they can... and still tend to their own home front, too. I don't envy any of them or you, dear. *sigh*
Please be sure to leave contact info with Mystic or DG-mail one or some of us so we can have a line to reach you. Also take quick note of the phone numbers listed for contact, K?
*HUGS* and Godspeed, my friend.
Donna
They are a yucky place to work for. All mighty dollar. Boss out of town and safe. They shut it down every friday night could do it tonight. A very small wax packing place.
Alot of guys did not show up today. Even oil refineries have all ready started shutting down today. Our resturants closed at 1:00 p.m.
He has been there long enough. Just a yucker place. Very unsafe, wish he could find a different place to work.
Hard to explain.
But I wish that was the reason. We wouldn't mind then. Just money not caring if the guys get out safe.
Sandy
Well phooey on my hopeful thoughts. It's no fun to be stuck between a rock and a hard place... :(