A Look Back at Hurricane Charley Smashing the Florida Coastline

Up until hurricane Charley, most Floridians, while aware of hurricanes, seemed to have developed an immunity to local warnings. More often than not these warnings turned out be something of a lesser nature. Younger people even liked to hold "hurricane parties". Aug 13 was to be a day of rude awakening. As this category 4 hurricane approached, it became clear it was gaining in intensity. It was on just about every news channel.

Our family quickly realized, that our home, an old wooden structure simply could not withstand the full fury and impending onslaught, of this category 4 hurricane, which was rapidly approaching. People were leaving in droves, some headed as far north as Georgia. Many stayed with the thought of "riding out the storm" We gathered our precious momentous, important papers and our 14 year old son. We piled into the car.

It's odd, but there was such an eerie calm no birds chirping just a sullen sky and dead quiet. Then the wind began picking up, you could see the gusts getting stronger. We hit the road traveling further south, in anticipation of the much talked about storm, taking a northerly turn. all the while contending with our 14 year old, who did not seem to quite grasp the gravity of our situation. (He wanted to see his girlfriend). We had called earlier and were headed to a friends house, a little further south and closer to Punta Gorda. Our friend Rodney had a sturdy brick home and we were more than welcome there.

We all sat glued to the television weather reports, which were being updated every 15 minutes. Rodney , I must say, was completely prepared, at least as best as one could expect. He had a generator, food, flashlights, games, and a cell phone. He also had a few of his closest friends there, and their kids ranging in age from 8 to 12. Our son was helpful and got along well, given the circumstance. We could hear the wind begin it's howl.

It got louder and louder. Looking out the window, I could see a stop sign flapping like a flag in the wind. Then It just bent down in surrender, parallel with the the road.

It now became clear to me, that we had headed closer to this beast. Charley was about to bear down on Punta Gorda, just a few short miles from us. The wind and rain were thunderous. Pieces of roof were flying by. As I walked away from the one window that wasn't boarded up, a 4 inch tree branch came crashing through. The kids were hysterical and the adults tried to be reassuring. We separated into two groups, each huddling in a bathroom. All curious as to what was happening outside, we would sneak a peek. The kids freaked when they saw the house across the street, with no roof any longer. The occupants had been smart enough to leave the day before.

The power went out, the generator went on. Thank god we had some kind of power and light. Outside the water was rising, and rushing down the street. Parked cars were slowly being immersed. We now got our weather reports from the radio, and what the newscasters had to say wasn't good. Deaths being reported, was not very comforting. The house would literally shake as another massive gust of natures pent up fury, bore down upon us. We could actually hear the nails squeaking, as another piece of plywood was about to be ripped from the roof. We all feared for our lives, while reassuring the kids, that it would soon pass, and soon be over.

After a few hours of sheer terror, the winds died down. Soon as it was practical, we all headed outside. While being grateful, we had been spared, we could clearly see others were not so fortunate. Homes completely destroyed. Lives in shambles.

Previous homeowner and store items, floating down the river outside Rodney's home. Listening to the radio it became clear, the extent of the damage done by hurricane "Charley". In monetary terms, it was in the billions. In emotional terms, it's as yet unknown.

These hurricanes and disasters in general, serve to teach us, that we must be prepared. We must have a plan and the resources already in place.
We must expect the unexpected. We must put aside our petty differences and work together. We cannot count on the governments' help. Often time help comes to little to late. Being prepared is the key. Living in Port Charlotte, and seeing the horrors first hand, I can tell you some of the things you must have on hand.

Don't wait till the storm is on its way, before you buy these survival items. The last thing you want to do, is be at Home Depot, in a frenzied rush.

Plywood (enough to cover all windows), 1 1/4 inch black screws. A good rechargeable drill with, Phillip's #2 and #3 screw bits. Heavy duty hammer and a couple pounds of 10 penny nails. A few rolls of duct tape. Bottled water, at least two days worth. Same goes for food, stock up on canned goods.

Be prepared to use a mattress as a shield if necessary. A fully charged cellphone, two if you can. Generator, if you can. Four or five, heavy duty waterproof flashlights and lots of good batteries. A dozen candles. Lighters, matches.- DO NOT USE LIGHTERS, IF YOU SMELL GAS! A battery powered radio, again with plenty of batteries. Do NOT go outside, unless it is to flee, the imminent collapse of the structure. Stay away from any windows. If you have children, a battery-powered DVD player, with Bambi, or something calming. Let them wear headphones, just be aware, they may not hear a tree crunching the roof. Gas in your car. Know ahead of time, any public shelter, that may be available.

An inflatable raft. (Hopefully, it won't come to that.) A list of emergency numbers. Keep a first aid kit handy and stocked. Listen to the public service announcements on the radio. Keep some reading material on hand, to keep your mind busy.

Beyond this, aside from not even being there, thats about all you can do. Try and stay calm and know that, this to, shall soon pass.
When you do finally do venture outside, beware of downed power lines and dangerous debris.

Our hearts truly go out to the survivors of Charley and Katrina, two of the worst hurricanes to hit the states in quite awhile. Lets pray that these kinds of storms stay out in the ocean and bypass our continent. Be grateful for each day, for you never know what tomorrow will bring.