I was discussing with the DW about escaping the next hurricane with our rig. We ran from Rita in 2005, before we had a 5er. It was pretty scarey. It took us 12 hours to go from League City to Conroe (Texas), which is normally a one hour drive.
The interstate was like a war zone. It was like some futuristic movie. People using roadway bushes for bathrooms, dumping trash, fighting, broke down needing water and/or gas. It was like there was no laws. I even traveled with my gun in my lap, expecting trouble at any time. People unprepared in emergency situations will do some weird things.
I'm sure if we had be pulling the rig, there would have neen mothers with children wanting inside for water, bathroom, food, etc. While wanting to help, I believe we would be opening ourselves up to trying to take care of more than we could handle.
I'm thinking of parking our 5er at our favorite park three hours north, during August and Sept. It's $275.00 per month (with utilities). Although I would still be paying storage back home for an empty barn, this might be the best way to go.
Any of you guys had any experience with this type of situation? This will be our first hurricane season with the rig.
Skip N Barb Team wrote: I was discussing with the DW about escaping the next hurricane with our rig. We ran from Rita in 2005, before we had a 5er. It was pretty scarey. It took us 12 hours to go from League City to Conroe (Texas), which is normally a one hour drive.
The interstate was like a war zone. It was like some futuristic movie. People using roadway bushes for bathrooms, dumping trash, fighting, broke down needing water and/or gas. It was like there was no laws. I even traveled with my gun in my lap, expecting trouble at any time. People unprepared in emergency situations will do some weird things......Skip
Boy glad you were ok and able to get away.
They certainly did NOT show any of what you had to endure and see on the interstate on any of the CNN news. But then again they probably did not want their satellite feed trucks on that road either.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 Blue Ox We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
Here in FL when we had to evacuate, it was a little smoother because we left in plenty of time. We took our trailer and it was a Godsend. We do park our trailer north of our area with the hurricanes in mind. The other thing about it not being near your home is that if your home gets hit maybe the trailer won't or vice versa.
Leave early.......... Wait unitl the last minute and ya get stuck in traffic.
A few hours make a big differance. At least it did for us when we would go to board up the camp in Pass Christian, MS each time one hit the Gulf.......
Don Fauntleroy (W5IT) 99 F-350 PSD w/ a Herrin Hauler bed. Towin a 2006 3612 DS Raptor. My "Little Red Truck"
We've evacuated from hurricanes 4 times since we've been FTing. The first time, we waited and waited to see if we'd absolutely have to leave. When they issued the mandatory evacuation order (Myrtle Beach), we left and we were sorry. After 4 hours on the road, we could still see the cg entrance in the rear view mirror. Since then, we've paid attention to the forecasts and probability maps and left early enough to beat the rush.
Leave early and leave often, if you are going to evacuate. Where we live in Stuart, Florida there is only one direction to go, north. Since the population of Florida has become so large, the vehicle tanks fuel volume exceeds the storage capacity of in state availability. If you don't leave at least 48 hours in advance, don't, IMHO. We have been hit by 3 hurricanes in Stuart the last 5 years and have stayed home. A couple we know, decided to evacuate for Hurricane Francis and after 17 hours of driving had made it to Gainesville, where they ran out of gasoline. The average speed on the Florida Turnpike, that day was reported to be 7 mph. If a person decides to stay and "make sure" the storm is headed their way, before evacuating, then they can expect major problems to occur. I have rigged, concrete tie downs for our RV at our home, it rode through the last 3 hurricanes in good shape. (a great way to check for leaks) LOL We had enough house damage that we ended up living in the camper for about 10 days each storm. We had running water, AC, a place to cook, etc. all by running our standby generator. Unless the prediction is for a strong category 4 or 5, I will stay at home or a local shelter.
Its not so bad just have to keep a few things in mind:
1. Leave early. Its so much easier to leave early and possibly have it miss you than it is to wait to the last minute and leave when everyone else is also doing the same thing
2. Stock up before hand, fill the water tank, make sure you have plenty of fuel and make sure you have plenty of water
Otherwise its just like any unplanned trip. Stay clear of the cone and you should be just fine. Biggest issue IMO is not having enough fuel. We are fortunate to have 150 gallons which gives us a decent range if you have significantly less I'd consider an auxiliary fuel tank.
I like to be totally self sufficient for 10 days following the storm. By the most places at least have food, water and petrol available.
Well... The thing to do if you want to run from a hurricane is to do it early
By the way Michigan does not get much Huricane traffic. Few tornados but though they are far more violent they are also far smaller (higher wind speeds, but where a hurricane can wipe out a path miles wide, Tornados are yards wide)
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
As was stated so eloquently by others, LEAVE EARLY. That's the secret. DW and I watch the weather channel when the hurricane is still three or four days out, and ask each other "WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR"? You hear a lot of bravado from a few die-hards (no pun intended) who say "we're not afraid of a little rainstorm", and then a few hours later, these same people are calling 911 begging to be rescued. So, LEAVE EARLY, and watch the others on Fox News while they scream for help. And you'll be doing it from the safety of your rig, which is now in Kentucky, or somewhere like that!
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