Florence was a trying experience for me. I was here for Matthew and in a 3rd story apartment, it had little to no effect on me. This time around I was now in a home I moved into in June. My location is Raeford, just West and slightly South of Fayetteville, NC.
By outward appearances, I made it through this hurricane with grace. It would not have been possible without the help of my amazing neighbors, which I have only known for a few months.
I was well prepared with food and water. But was not ready for the FD to make rounds on Saturday evening, announcing a voluntary evac. A lake near me was possibly going to break through the dam and flood our swamp which might cut off our only road in and out. My neighbors calmed me and explained that this happened during Matthew and not to panic. So I stayed, my cat does not travel well. We had already lost power. Sunday evening comes and the Coast Guard now comes through to strongly encourage us to leave, still voluntary. We still decide to stay, along with most of the neighborhood. I had dinner with another neighbor and his granddaughters. At midnight, the emergency management announce mandatory evac. The water is spilling over the dam and they aren't sure if the spillway will hold. I pack a bag and my cat and head 10 minutes up the road to a friends. Much gratitude for her and her husband taking us in at 1am.
At around 4pm on the 17th they announce that we can go back, the damn dam never let loose and they will let power be restored to the neighborhood. I'm glad to be home.
I'm so grateful for the people that I live around. Their guidance was calming and much needed in a time of uncertainty. Thank you, neighbors.
By outward appearances, I made it through this hurricane with grace. It would not have been possible without the help of my amazing neighbors, which I have only known for a few months.
I was well prepared with food and water. But was not ready for the FD to make rounds on Saturday evening, announcing a voluntary evac. A lake near me was possibly going to break through the dam and flood our swamp which might cut off our only road in and out. My neighbors calmed me and explained that this happened during Matthew and not to panic. So I stayed, my cat does not travel well. We had already lost power. Sunday evening comes and the Coast Guard now comes through to strongly encourage us to leave, still voluntary. We still decide to stay, along with most of the neighborhood. I had dinner with another neighbor and his granddaughters. At midnight, the emergency management announce mandatory evac. The water is spilling over the dam and they aren't sure if the spillway will hold. I pack a bag and my cat and head 10 minutes up the road to a friends. Much gratitude for her and her husband taking us in at 1am.
At around 4pm on the 17th they announce that we can go back, the damn dam never let loose and they will let power be restored to the neighborhood. I'm glad to be home.
I'm so grateful for the people that I live around. Their guidance was calming and much needed in a time of uncertainty. Thank you, neighbors.