General Care Discussion :: Evacuating for Gustav

[AllisonChains]

It is possible that I will have to evacuate for Gustav depending on the course of the storm. I am right by the coast so even if it hits as a 2 I am required to go.

I had to evacuate for Rita, but didn't have Izzy at the time, just 2 dogs and the kid! We went to Dallas which normally takes 4 hours... the evacuation trip took me 14 hours to get there and that was leaving a day ahead.

So, if I have to go this time - what is the best way to set-up Izzy? I plan on taking her big rubbermaid outside container with all her essential stuff, but what if we are stuck in traffic again for that long?

I have read the 'traveling with turtle' stuff and I basically need a dark cool box and a water mister so she won't get too dry, right? What is the best way to keep her cool if we are stuck in traffic in 100 degree weather and I can't run the AC very high?

I really, really, really, really hope we don't have to.

[jenaero]

I would imagine he'd be fine if in a box with a cool damp towel. I assume you'll be making pit stops along the way, at which time you can give him a few minutes to soak and check his temperature.

[TheComputerGremlin]

If you are worried about temps, you can probably keep a small container with some water in it for soaking while in the car. A few hours out won't be much trouble. You might want to freeze some water bottles (for you, too!) and put them around the container, like on the outside, so it keeps the temps down during the drive. And then you can drink them as they melt as well.

I hope you don't have to evacuate, that doesn't sound like fun at all!

[mat012]

If you need to make a stop in College Station you are welcome. Just PM me and I will send you info.

[AllisonChains]

Mat - thank you SO much. I appreciate it.

I am looking at booking a room somewhere just in case and there isn't hardly anything available. Everybody from Louisiana and Mississippi are heading this way. Well, to the Huntsville area anyway.

I may be looking at somewhere towards San Antonio shortly.

I totally forgot to ask everyone - if I still have the baby, what is the best way to transport him?

[marisa]

A small container with holes for air and a cloth for him to burrow under. If it's dark he'll sleep. I'd put a damp cloth under him to keep up the humidity. You can let him periodically hydrate in just about any small container. The mister is good to have on hand as well.

[taurusgirl]

i am in mississippi on the coast and we just got a phone call saing that we must evac. if we live in tralers moble homes etc.
but i think that we are going to stay

[JimmyJam]

i am in mississippi on the coast and we just got a phone call saing that we must evac. if we live in tralers moble homes etc.
but i think that we are going to stay

If Gustav is headed your way, I'd deffinatley leave. Would be sad if Gustav causes as much damage as Katrina did.

[taurusgirl]

i have a evac plan if he gets to cat 4

[JimmyJam]

I heard he was already at cat 4.

[taurusgirl]

i did not hear that

[mat012]

Good luck to both of you. I will be sending good thoughts your way!

[AllisonChains]

Thank You! I am breaking out the spells to keep Gustav away! I hate to say that because he has to go somewhere and I hate to wish it on anyone else.

I think I have everything for the turts ready just in case.

I did want to see how important it is to take the filter and MVB. I booked a room in San Antonio for Sunday through Tuesday night (just in case.) I know that could all change tomorrow or even Sunday and we might have to stay a day or so longer, but is it absolutely necessary to take the whole filter? I could probably swing the light since I have it on a stand anyway.

I am just going to set Izzy up in her outside Rubbermaid 'tank' and I have a pretty deep/wide bowl for the baby.

I keep thinking of things along the way....

[AllisonChains]

I forgot; Taurusgirl - get the hell out of dodge!

It looks as though it may strike as a 3 or strong 2, but if you learn anything living on the gulf, that number can vary in size and intensity to be either stronger or weaker, but it isn't worth taking a chance. It can also get up to a 4.

Also, it hasn't even reached hurricane status, yet. It has remained a strong tropical storm all this time. It is fixing to be in the warm gulf waters and it is moving very slow which will just breed intensity. Winds are currently sustained 65 mph. The winds have to be between 74-95 mph for it to be considered a category one.

On the scale even a 2 has winds between 96-110 mph. We can shelter in place at the house without a direct hit, but only if winds stay below 90 mph. I am right on the coast so my evacuation zone is one of the first. I certainly don't want to taunt Mother Nature.

Now, I have enough to worry about, don't make me worry about you, too!

[mat012]

I also wanted to let you know that Sam Houston State is preapring to be an evac shelter. Here is the note from the president:

August 29, 2008

To the University Community -

At present we obviously cannot determine if Tropical Storm Gustav will affect this part of our state. If there is a problem, it will involve our university being utilized to shelter evacuees, and determining whether it is advisable to open the university as scheduled on Tuesday, September 2. Please be assured that our emergency response team has done a superior job in making preparations to accommodate a "worst-case-scenario"....

Jim Gaertner
President

In the worst case you Houston area folks could contact them to go there.