Tropical Storm ERIKA to bring possible severe weather to Central Florida early next week

SMS55

SMS55

Well-Known Member
Right now, I wouldn't worry too much about this. Perhaps pick a park like Hollywood Studios or EPCOT on the day it's in the area as many outdoor rides may not be operating due to the rain, but as a minimal tropical storm, this is the equivalent of an afternoon thunderstorm, or just a rain day with some gusty winds. Don't stress it too much people. Take it from some of the locals.
 
K

kpilcher

Well-Known Member
PhotoDave219 said:
Seriously. Overhyping these things is as dangerous as ignoring them. You cry wolf every time a small, disorganized joke of a tropical storm shows up, no one will listen when the really nasty ones come.

Page views and marketing shouldn't impact public safety.
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Respectfully, I saw and heard nothing on my station or the others in town aimed at scaring or "Overhyping." (Granted I saw much less of 9 and 13) Urging people to prepare, yes. But our team was cautious to not "cry wolf" about the storm (which took at least 12 lives in the Caribbean). We went out of our way to tell people the true test would be after Erika crossed Hispanola. As a member of the media, you should know if we don't talk about and forewarn -- even while reassuring -- the consequences can be deadly. We are already at a place where too many people don't take these storms seriously. Happy Erika dissipated. Happy I won't be starting 12-on/12-off work shifts tomorrow. But I know the next storm could always be worse. Remember in 2004 -- Charley was not supposed to mean much by the time it reached Central Florida.
 
PhotoDave219

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
kpilcher said:
Respectfully, I saw and heard nothing on my station or the others in town aimed at scaring or "Overhyping." (Granted I saw much less of 9 and 13) Urging people to prepare, yes. But our team was cautious to not "cry wolf" about the storm (which took at least 12 lives in the Caribbean). We went out of our way to tell people the true test would be after Erika crossed Hispanola. As a member of the media, you should know if we don't talk about and forewarn -- even while reassuring -- the consequences can be deadly. We are already at a place where too many people don't take these storms seriously. Happy Erika dissipated. Happy I won't be starting 12-on/12-off work shifts tomorrow. But I know the next storm could always be worse. Remember in 2004 -- Charley was not supposed to mean much by the time it reached Central Florida.
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Oh i know.... Very glad your station was being responsible. More news stations/directors/GMs should be that way.

Edit: Here's a basic PSA that EVERYONE needs to know. Never drive through water that crosses the road whether its just standing or not. Turn around or you risk getting swept away. (Almost learned that the hard way and I knew better)
 
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The Mom

The Mom

Moderator
Premium Member
kpilcher said:
Respectfully, I saw and heard nothing on my station or the others in town aimed at scaring or "Overhyping." (Granted I saw much less of 9 and 13) Urging people to prepare, yes. But our team was cautious to not "cry wolf" about the storm (which took at least 12 lives in the Caribbean). We went out of our way to tell people the true test would be after Erika crossed Hispanola. As a member of the media, you should know if we don't talk about and forewarn -- even while reassuring -- the consequences can be deadly. We are already at a place where too many people don't take these storms seriously. Happy Erika dissipated. Happy I won't be starting 12-on/12-off work shifts tomorrow. But I know the next storm could always be worse. Remember in 2004 -- Charley was not supposed to mean much by the time it reached Central Florida.
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with people being "scared" enough to go out and buy a few hurricane supplies during hurricane season. Too many people have nothing put aside and wait until it's too late. Canned goods, flashlights (as long as you remove the batteries when not in use) even bottled water will last many years. There will be a power outage sometime in your future. Anything that gets close to an expiration date can be used - which is why you shouldn't purchase anything you wouldn't ordinarily eat. If you hate tuna, don't bother having it in your emergency stash. (which can be stored in a rolling foot locker or even large suitcase)

Then, all you have to do if you are under a watch/warning is batten down the hatches, as they say. Secure your house, take care of outdoor furniture, pots, etc. make sure your vehicle is in a safe place. And think about your evacuation plans.

We have many friends who are in Cat 1 & 2 evacuation zones (waterfront), and their plan is to bring their supplies & pets and come to our house (we are in a cat 5 evacuation zone) We have a generator, and our next door neighbor also has one along with gas appliances and a well. Between us we have 5 extra bedrooms, and a few fold out couches in other rooms.

I was without power for two weeks after one of the three that hit us in rapid succession.
 
K

kpilcher

Well-Known Member
The Mom said:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with people being "scared" enough to go out and buy a few hurricane supplies during hurricane season.
I was without power for two weeks after one of the three that hit us in rapid succession.
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I totally agree. I was without power
For more than a month after Charley. And I'm in a very suburban area near a hospital. The lights came back on in time for the third storm to knock them out again. People need to prepare.
 
PhotoDave219

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
The Mom said:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with people being "scared" enough to go out and buy a few hurricane supplies during hurricane season. Too many people have nothing put aside and wait until it's too late. Canned goods, flashlights (as long as you remove the batteries when not in use) even bottled water will last many years. There will be a power outage sometime in your future. Anything that gets close to an expiration date can be used - which is why you shouldn't purchase anything you wouldn't ordinarily eat. If you hate tuna, don't bother having it in your emergency stash. (which can be stored in a rolling foot locker or even large suitcase)

Then, all you have to do if you are under a watch/warning is batten down the hatches, as they say. Secure your house, take care of outdoor furniture, pots, etc. make sure your vehicle is in a safe place. And think about your evacuation plans.

We have many friends who are in Cat 1 & 2 evacuation zones (waterfront), and their plan is to bring their supplies & pets and come to our house (we are in a cat 5 evacuation zone) We have a generator, and our next door neighbor also has one along with gas appliances and a well. Between us we have 5 extra bedrooms, and a few fold out couches in other rooms.

I was without power for two weeks after one of the three that hit us in rapid succession.
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I forgot you were without power that long. Eleven years ago.... I think Francis and her Cat 5 winds off the coast were legitimately terrifying. Those six weeks were terrible.
 
JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Nick Wilde said:
A chair fell over in my backyard. We will rebuild.
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