Hurricanes

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Not sure which thread to post this so I thought I'd ask an expert.

I've other threads going discussing first trip to a villa with a tour operator for first time security and previously using hotels.

One thing that is in the back of my mind is what happens if you are unfortunate enough to get caught up in a hurricane. Being in a hotel you have the security of the hotel staff advising you and taking the safety precautions to get you through it.

What do you do when you have done your own thing and rented a villa.
You see so many photos of the deviastation that can be caused.

I don't look on the dark side of things all the time and I am always as up beat as I can be, this is just a worry in the back of my mind and it won't stop me coming or enjoying myself.

[thistle1314]

David, thats a good question and one I'd like an answer too also. Thanks.

[rosie]

First of all let's get things in perspective, hurricanes are a very rare occurrence in Florida, despite what the news would have you believe [msnwink]

When you are staying in a vacation home and there is a possibility of a hurricane coming to the area it will be publicized on the TV and radio. A lot of homeowners will have info in their house book about what you should do. The Management Company that look after the home will also contact you and answer any questions you may have as well as offering advice.

Please don't let something that probably won't happen deter you from enjoying Florida.

[thistle1314]

Thanks Rosie. Sounds good to me.

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Rosie,

Thanks for the reasureance and believe me it won't stop me having fun. It's like flying you know it could crash but you still do it (blind faith). It's always the bad news that you see on TV particularly in recent years I know that Florida got off "lightly" compared to other states.

Don't worry I'm still coming just wondered how to be prepared. Saying it probably won't happen dosen't mean it can't happen.

David

[rosie]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DLB-GOUROCK
Saying it probably won't happen dosen't mean it can't happen.

David
[/quote]

That's true, but the way I look at it, if it is going to happen it will anyway, whether you worry about it or not, so it is pointless to waste energy on "maybe's" or "what if's" and just get out and enjoy yourself [msnsmile]

[Clare R]

Don't forget that hurricanes (on the rare occasion they happen) cause more than just wind and rain. Power outages will affect your air-conditioning and fridge/freezer and you will probably have to boil water for a few days after the storm. If a hurricane is forecast make sure you have something to do, books/games and a torch/flashlight - you should find one in the villa along with emergency lighting which will keep going for a couple of hours.

[canarypam]

We were at our villa in 2004 for Hurricane Jeanne. If there is a chance that a hurricane will come anywhere near Florida believe me you will know what to do. It will be reported day and night on TV. We filled the bath with water, made sure we had food etc and some torches.

Our estate lost water for 1 day but not electricity. Yo be honest it was no worse than a bad storm here.

Hope you have a good time.[msnsmile2]

[Val]

Hello,
I do know that when there are hurricane warning in the area our Management Company contact all villa guests and offer advise and I am sure most villa owners like ourselves provide torches, candles etc for emergencies and I must say in all the time we have owned the villa the candles are still in the cupboard and have never been used.
Enjoy your time in Florida.

Val

[Frosty]

David,

On the rare chance that it does happen and you are in it, you have to remember that the devastation you see is usually trailer parks which have been flattened.

You have to remember trailer parks are nothing more than caravans that are parked up. Now add a Hurricane and see what happens to them.

All new homes are now built to a much higher Huirricane code, this doesn't mean to say that if they get a direct hit, that they won't get no damage, but they are much more resistant.

The damage is more centered on trees and such like as these are planted in basically sand and so don't have good root structure so they go over easier. This can be a problem as they bring down power lines or if your unlucky they damage the nearby home.

The real danger of a Hurricane is that you go out to see what this is all about and get injured by flying debris or worse a downed power line.

Its a very rare occasion to have a Hurricane strike in central FL and even if it did happen, you are still very unlucky if you were involved.
You do right to consider it, but the odds are so high, it doesn't need to spoil your holiday.

One last thing, if you did suffer a serious problem, most villa owners have friends who also have villas and at the worst you could be moved to another home. People always rally toether in adversity.