PRAYERS NEEDED: My Brother is in Hurricane Charley's path!

April_Bee · 08-12-2004, 08:48 PM

My brother Matt and his fiancee Jenna just moved to St. Petersburg, FL two months ago. Now they're facing a hurricane. They haven't been evacuated yet. They're trying to prepare as much as possible: water, canned food, batteries, etc.

Matt has lived in WV his whole life, so he's not used to this and doesn't know what to expect. He called me today to wish me a happy birthday, and you could hear the fear in his voice. He's trying to put on a brave face though.

After this evening, it will be a few days until we hear from them. He has a cell phone, but will try to keep the batteries from running down.

I know that we have several cysters in that area too that need our prayers.

Thanks so much

amshum · 08-13-2004, 12:47 AM

Before moving to West Texas five years ago, I lived almost my entire life on the Gulf Coast.. Mobile, Alabama, parts of Louisiana, etc. I never lived in Florida, but I had my fair share of Hurricanes. They're not fun, but thankfully if they're a category 2 or less, they are not usually *that* bad to ride out. If he lives in a mobile home, obviously he needs to seek shelter or evacuate even with a cat. one.

A couple of hints if he wants to ride it out in a house that is a safe structure (not a mobile home)... Fill the bathtub with water. Sometimes flooding can make the water go out, so you'll need that water to flush a toilet should that happen. Get LOADS of bottled water for drinking, even if its bottling it outta the tap. Batteries, canned goods and all are a must, but he also needs a radio, preferably one that you can wind up, so that he's not running thru batteries. A deck of cards and board games are also a must because you will get bored so easily in the days after should the power go out... If he's got a generator, that'd be great! Just stock up on gas... And tape up the windows. A simple X or * (star) design on the windows with that brownish paper tape that you can tear easily will help the glass from flying thru the house injuring someone should a window get busted by flying debris... It happens. But I don't recommend duct tape because it sticks too good and is difficult to get the residue off the windows after the storm is over.

I hope this one is not a bad one. I will pray for your brother and SIL for their safety, and the rest of our Cysters who are in the path of this hurricane. God bless.

April_Bee · 08-13-2004, 05:35 AM

Amber,

Thanks so much for the prayers. It means so much to me. I talked to Matt and told him all the things you suggested. They live in a large brick apartment building, but he's on the first floor. He said if water started coming in he'd go upstairs to the neighbors. The community seems to be doing a good job of preparing everyone. Now we just wait and see.

Thanks again and God Bless You!

amshum · 08-15-2004, 06:57 PM

So have you heard from them? I'm not sure if Charley went thru your brother's neck of the woods, but I hope that they're doing ok and are safe and sound.

God bless.
Amber

April_Bee · 08-15-2004, 07:16 PM

Amber,

Yes, my brother is fine. We had so many people praying for his safety. Charley hit about 115 miles south of St Pete, so all his area got were bad thunderstorms. Their power wasn't even knocked out. Thanks again and God bless.