Those of you in the path of Hurricane Florence - please be safe!!

Yes, please be safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with those of you in Florence's path.

After having gone through quite a few hurricanes here in SW Florida, our prayers are with you all in the path. What I've found is that every hurricane is different, and they rarely ever end up doing what they are forecasted to do, so my prayers are that it ends up as a non-event for you all, and essentially rain-with-a-name. God-speed, and get out if you're told to; property can be replaced, you and your loved ones can't.

Three of my friends from high school are down there as a relief force hired in. I am not sure what their purpose is but know if you are in the path of Florence there are dedicated folks to help you if you are in need. To repeat above; get out if you are told to. Be safe and good luck all!

What a coincidence of a name for where she's headed!

Take care, take cover and leave if recommended. Also...beware of the greedy people who will take everything from the shelves...last one here, with power out too, there was NO FOOD to be had in any stores for quite a little while!

There is so much preparation and planning into the prevention and recovery, it is mind boggling. The Emergency Management Centers practice year round to be prepared, but hope it never happens. Through CERT, I've been involved in several practices, one in 2016 including med-evacing injured from Charleston to Columbia in the event of a hurricane, using HAM radios (loss of electricity) to coordinate with ambulances, air traffic local LE and hospitals, victims (around 150 high schoolers, authenticated with moulage), plus a C-5 coming in with paramedics and patients.

A few years ago, we were passing a trucking area in Jacksonville while there was a hurricane going through South Florida. There were probably 1,000 vehicles in the staging area - lined up in a convoy ready to go as soon as the winds subsided. Fuel, food, emergency supplies, water, rescue vans, etc - with enough state troopers and tow trucks to make sure that everyone got there safely and as fast as possible.

Prayers that it is (as MB Guy) says a rain with a name.

We have those staging areas down the road from my house, Rocky, at an I75 exit...it's an amazing [and kinda scary and surreal] sight...for sure.

Was the team running from the gators?

News showing convoys of electrical utility and communications trucks from surrounding states going to staging areas and getting ready to move in as soon as winds and water permit.

Reminds me of Rin Tin Tin bringing in the Calvary to help Rusty out of a situation. ( understood by old compliance officers only)