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I'm in agreement with you--but, people are incredibly stubborn, money and logistics are often a factor, and, as Irene was 'over hyped' as some may suggest, you go through the 'boy that cried wolf' syndrome. In addition, I'm assuming most NYers probably have never lived through a legitimate intense hurricane to understand the unpredictability of weather and real potential for severe damage and harm. I lived through Katrina and a series of hurricanes in Miami--experience taught me to prepare for the worst, knowing the uncertainty with these kinds of storms.
Not sure if you read correctly-the Mayor required an evacuation of individuals living in basement and first floor units only, I don't understand the rationale. Leaving folks stranded in higher floors or units, and, not requiring everyone in the area to leave, (considering all other areas in the region were requiring forced evacuations of low-lying areas), makes little sense.
A good explanation for the situation.
I have seven different family units living in the Hoboken area and I advised each and every one of them on hurricane preparedness well before the storm hit. They all thought they were prepared - Ha! Putting all of their supplies together would not have been sufficient for a single family in S. Florida.
Fortunately, they are all fine - sitting in the dark with pb&j sandwiches, but undamaged.
I have no sympathy for those who had the time and money to evacuate or prepare properly. I do have sympathy for those who couldn't afford the proper preparations nor afford to evacuate. Here in hurricane country, we prepare for such things every spring (well, except for certain people in New Orleans). People who've never been through a major storm don't know what it's like nor what to expect. Around here, when a hurricane approaches, we know how to get ready. Fill our vehicle's gas tanks, fill a spare gas can, stock up on non-perishable foods, bottle water, fill the bath tub with water, withdraw cash from the bank, gather up important documents and family photos, document model and serial numbers on appliances and electronics, photos of appliances and electronics, stash away things that may blow away, and keep important phone numbers with us should we evacuate. There are many more things involved in planning depending on your location and situation. In our case, we live in a mobile home. We prep as best we can and then evacuate to my relative's home. Sometimes i have to ride out the storm at the hospital where I work to keep the generators running if it falls on my shift (already happened once with hurricane Lili). If you have pets, plans need to be made for pet care. If you rent, renter's insurance is very affordable and necessary to protect your belongings in case of fire and storm damage. Other than evacuation, there's no protection from storm surge.
Yes, but at the same time...I'd feel pretty stupid for buying a place in a flood-prone area. FEMA publishes maps showing the 100 year flood plain/zone. Good places not to build a house.
Your Homeowners' policy has an automatic emergency living expense rider. It's a % of your total policy and is payable immediately, upon proof of rent/lease agreement. It supposed to cover the insured for up to 6 months emergency living.
Try research before you judge. It's helpful to know this stuff if you ever have an emergency.
Please...
It will take a VERY long time before the insurance companies will even be able to determine if this is a covered loss. If the cause of loss is flooding from storm surge, there will be no coverage and that rider will be useless.
Wind wasn't the problem here, water is. And these folks are about to get a hard lesson in reality.
Fed is pumping 40 billion a month into the banks to bail out their failed MBS pools and trusts. FEMA is sitting on a kitty of 3.6 billion to help out with relief. Nobody apparently see's a problem with this.
Here in hurricane country, we prepare for such things every spring People who've never been through a major storm don't know what it's like nor what to expect.
Just call us squirrels
But, I just let folks think I'm ultra organized or paranoid - take your pick
If one has ever been in a major disaster, it changes your life forever.
Your Homeowners' policy has an automatic emergency living expense rider. It's a % of your total policy and is payable immediately, upon proof of rent/lease agreement. It supposed to cover the insured for up to 6 months emergency living.
Try research before you judge. It's helpful to know this stuff if you ever have an emergency.
Not everyone has a homeowners policy. Not everyone owns a home.
Fill our vehicle's gas tanks, fill a spare gas can, stock up on non-perishable foods, bottle water, fill the bath tub with water, withdraw cash from the bank, gather up important documents and family photos, document model and serial numbers on appliances and electronics, photos of appliances and electronics, stash away things that may blow away, and keep important phone numbers with us should we evacuate. .
Dave - I understand water can flood basements and 1st floors but filling a tub full of water seems like a no brainer to me. I've not heard anyone say they've done this but it's the 1st thing I'd do.
Dave - I understand water can flood basements and 1st floors but filling a tub full of water seems like a no brainer to me. I've not heard anyone say they've done this but it's the 1st thing I'd do.
We do this for every hurricane. Should we lose city water, we'd still have clean water for brushing teeth, sponge bath, and flushing toilets.
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