I really do not know where to start. So I will start by talking about the unpredictable mood of Irma. Yes, she has surprised all of us, especially the meteorologists who predicted Irma was headed to the East coast of Florida. The latest report of NOAA shows the storm moving to the West coast of Florida and moving in the direction of Tampa Bay.
I must say that many feelings have gone through my head and heart in the last 24 hrs. I truly tried to leave this area but there seems to be a force keeping me here. This morning the big news was that there was a gridlock on the only two highways going north and out of state and to top it off, there was no gas. Cars were just stalled between the middle of Florida and Georgia. What is most interesting is that Irma is heading in that direction so authorities are recommending to go to Alabama instead of Georgia if you are making it out of Florida. I did not want to venture going by myself to who knows where, so I decided to go to a shelter. The interesting thing about going to a shelter in my area was that at 11 am the lines to get in were two blocks or more. Thinking that it would get better later on, I decided to go back home and continue to get my place secure since the news started to say that the hurricane was coming our way. When I came back later to the shelters they were all at capacity. My heart dismayed a little. Authorities are saying that they will open more shelters tomorrow.
Since things looked like we maybe having no electricity or water for a few days, I made sure I had what I needed. As expected, the shelves of the stores were empty. However, the authorities have kept their promise that water would be available. So I got a case of water (that is all they were selling per customer) and got some rice cakes, nuts and almond flour. Once I got home, I collected 10 plastic bottles from my recycle bin, washed them really well and filled them up with water from my filtered-water tank. I also collected some canned food from my pantry and now I am prepared with food and water for 5 -8 days. Yes! Thanks to my sister I was able to put a box together with everything I need for the next 7 days from medicine to clothes and toiletries. I don’t know what I would do without my sister. She has been a rock for me, a sounding board. If I’m prepared for this hurricane that is because of her.
I also looked into my emergency box and I got out my emergency kits that I got in LA in case of an earthquake. Well, I think they apply in this emergency so I’m happy to have these things with me, especially the hand-cranked power generator that has an AM/FM radio, a flashlight , a siren and a phone adaptor. Never thought having this would make me so happy.
I’m putting into my guest bathroom all my documents and pictures that I consider invaluable. I know they will be safe here. I also may use this room as my shelter if I decide to stay at my place. I found a parking garage that is next to our condo villages. It’s a very safe structure, it has five levels and my car will be OK there. So if I must stay at my place, I have a safe room in my condo and a safe place for my car.
I have until Saturday at 2pm to decide whether or not I’m driving out of Florida. I do not see this happening since the hurricane warnings are also now in effect for Georgia and I do not want to venture into Alabama. I do not know anybody in these places. However, I see myself going to a shelter. I’m hoping that they will be opening more in a few hours. But what I’d like to do the most is becoming a volunteer at a hospital or shelter and help with the elderly and sick. My heart is at peace when I know I’m here for a reason and that reason is to help the ones who need it the most. The next 48 hrs will become critical for us and helping one another will mitigate our stress levels. Please keep us all in your prayers. We treasure each and everyone of them. I know they will carry us through this. Irma, we are coming face to face. I just want to say to you that we are not alone. We have the prayers and spiritual support of our nation and the world. So Irma, here we go!