The Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

As we count down the hours before Hurricane Ian makes landfall on mainland Florida, it is possible to forecast a few projections for this disaster...

First and foremost, if residents of the state of Florida are not planning to evacuate, and are thus choosing to remain on the greater Florida Peninsula by default, mitigating the untold devastation that will be placed on the infrastructure will undoubtedly require a stockpile of resources, as many inevitable delays will transpire from the impending catastrophe.

Therefore, if practical and advisable by district authorities, one should make every effort to vacate the perimeter of the storm rather than risk all the variable unknowns that may prevent one from reaching and obtaining aid -- should such a situation arise during and after the storm. Since the strength of this storm is forecasted to reach category three or four status, (which carries both devastating and catastrophic damage warnings), it would in your best to vacate the peninsula well in advance of the storm.

However, if one chooses to remain to battle the storm, rationing and stockpiling food will permit the time needed for emergency vehicles to arrive and begin clearing the roads after the storm has passed through; which would then allow one to continue to access the roads to resupply as needed. Since the broad reach of this storm happens to encompass the near entirety of the peninsula of Florida, permitting ample time for emergency vehicles and support (albeit military, red cross, or other) will be especially important following landfall, due primarily to the sheer number of people affected by this storm.

Boarding up windows and securing doors, as well as implementing measures to mitigate damage from flood waters (with the use of sandbags, plywood, or other) will be especially helpful if a decision by one to stay home and battle the storm, is reached.

Power outages (as seen when the storm passed through Cuba) would make the purchase of a gas-powered generator and candles/flashlights useful. Additional fuel will be necessary to power the generator for a few days, or weeks (depending, of course, on the remoteness of one's location within the Florida peninsula, and the likelihood of power being restored quickly), or even to fuel the trip out of state (which has also led to abrupt price increases in gas as well as certain basic commodities). The effects of supply and demand in the state of Florida are already showing in the market. It would be wise, therefore, to load up on supplies and gas (with spare jerry cans placed in the rear of the vehicle) in your local area, before heading onto the highways ( bound for northern states far from the hurricane's path).

There is a high likelihood that one will run into delays and possible roadblocks whilst in transit leaving the state, and thus it is advisable to leave as soon as possible (again, this is especially the case if one is located in a remote location where obtaining supplies or aid would prove to be difficult; or if you're caring for persons with limited mobility), rather than leaving during critical hours before the storm, whereupon one could find themselves stranded with no means of help or support.

A post-stress response, due to the unforeseen loss of personal and private property (such as the sight of upended boats, homes and vehicles), is quite likely given the severity of the storm -- and so it may require weeks of adjustment, and thus place untold burdens on persons. It may, therefore, be a good idea to phone agencies in advance and secure your place in line for insurance claims, as upticks will inevitably arise in the days following the storm.