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Susan Laxson CRS, Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL (Palm Properties)

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Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

One year, 2006 I think, four hurricanes found their way over the Tampa Bay area. 

The media had a field day as the reporter grasp a sign post with yellow ponchos blowing in the wind as some dimwit said, "Don't try this that home, we are professionals." Then they advised everyone leave town. And the citizens crawled are 4 mph on I4 to Orlando. Hurricane changed course and went to Orlando.

Know the storm surge information and if a citizen can not hold their breath for a LLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time, they need to head for high ground, I will hunker down and ride it out, like I've done in the past. Sorry no showings until further notice. 

Apr 16, 2016 10:57 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes in a hurricane. Stayed home. I have seen two in my lifetime coming from a distance sort of like "walking" toward me and watched as they came nearer and closer until they did. I stayed outside, and marveled as they passed

Apr 16, 2016 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Have never been near hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.

Apr 16, 2016 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Susan Laxson Yes, we were in a hurricane when we lived in Florida.  We were evacuated to a shelter until it was safe to go home again. Fortunately, there was no damage. Living in Virginia, we don't see many, but when we do we head for the basement.

Apr 16, 2016 11:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,727
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Never been in one, don't live where they are common, we just get El Nino every so many years...burst of heavy winds & storms that hit us in sets but spread out over a season.

Apr 16, 2016 10:50 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Susan,

We had an enormous storm living in Napa, where the town flooded.  Luckily we were in the hills, and our pantry was stuffed with provisions, and wine.  A

Apr 17, 2016 09:25 AM
Ambassador
5,828,832
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

We've lived along the coast for the majority of my life so I've been in at least 3 or 4.  Hurricane Andrew = we were in Delray and had to board up our house and drove to Orlando to a house we had there.  We stayed during one of the hurricanes here and it was horrific. 

Apr 17, 2016 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
564,720
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

Oh yes.  2 recent ones were Sandy and Irene.  A lot of damage in the area.   Definitely stay at home.  And, make sure you have enough gas.  I couldn't believe the gas lines for the week following Hurricane Sandy - 2 to 4 hour wait.

Apr 16, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Yes. Once. In Florida. Stayed home. And survived!

Apr 16, 2016 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Susan. Have live through many hurricanes, have never left our home, but were very well prepared.

Apr 16, 2016 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I haven't been in a hurricane.  

If I lived in an area where they were common I would follow the advice of experts.  

 

Apr 16, 2016 11:01 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Not been in one .

Apr 16, 2016 10:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Never been involved with a hurricane. If it gets this far north be prepared to get wet and hope for no flooding.

Apr 16, 2016 10:46 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   When I was a little boy in Venice Florida, Hurricane Donna came through town.  My Grandaddy had us all hide under the stairs as the wind howled.

   We saw many other hurricanes in southwest Florida.  Here in Tallahassee, we had Hurricane Kate in 1985, which knocked down hundreds of trees, destroyed houses, and left much of this city without electricity for two weeks.

     The worst batch of storms that hit Florida was in 2004 to 2005, when they were all over the State.  That is when home insurance premiums tripled and quadrupled.  That also resulted in the roofing laws and roofing inspections, and the mandated "hurricane proof windows".

     What do we do today? 

    Having experienced numerous hurricanes and storms, we always have sufficient food, fuel, water, ammo, and emergency supplies on hand.  If you wait until the day before, the store shelves will be empty; it will be too late to buy what you need.  We also have a stack of plywood in the tool shed, to cover our windows. 

     We stay home!  The last thing you want to do is get out on the highways.  Maybe if you lived directly on the beach, sure, get out and move to higher ground.  Otherwise, stay in your house, keep away from the doors and windows.

Apr 17, 2016 10:46 AM
Rainmaker
628,764
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

I've been in two at sea on cruise ships, One of them they put the steel plates over the port hole windows in the rooms. The Captain made it to the eye of the storm to ride it out in both storms. Also been through a couple on land where I would perfer to ride the storm out.

Apr 17, 2016 10:20 AM
Rainer
140,560
Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

I have had the eye of three major hurricanes pass directly over my home which is three mile from the beach. I have also been in about a six tropical storms which were really nasty. 

The worst part was being without power in 90' weather and 100% humidity. Being without AC sucks in So Fla!

Apr 17, 2016 10:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I rode out the 'No-Name storm' in 1996 on my sailboat. We had 76 mph winds in the Gulf of Mexico. Fun evening!

Apr 17, 2016 09:51 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we DO have hurricanes....batten down the hatches....

Apr 17, 2016 08:58 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Having lived in Florida since the mid 90s I have experienced a few hurricanes.  Hurricane Floyd was a cat 5 storm that was supposed to hit the east coast in the Cape Canaveral area where we lived. My husband was an emergency responder and had to stay but I went to the west coast to stay with my in-laws. Just before the hurricane came close, it changed directions and all we had was some wind.  Dodged that one!

Apr 17, 2016 07:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Have experienced a few storms in my time living in Florida. Now relocating to Chicago and can worry about the tornado!

Apr 17, 2016 06:40 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I slept through one once at the beach.  If we'd left when they told us to, we'd have been stuck in the worse part in a huge traffic jam on I-95!

Apr 17, 2016 05:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,374,373
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

I have been through several, and I would leave.  We stay prepared and ready for almost anything weather wise. 

Apr 17, 2016 04:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Thankfully I've not had to deal with them.  I much prefer earthquakes, sadly enough.  If a Hurricane came to California (or more likely a "Sharknado") I'd run for the hills!

Apr 17, 2016 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

For 30 years now we have lived on a barrier island so we are the target on the bull's eye when a storm approaches. We live in a first floor condo on the widest, deepest canal here so we always close the shutters and leave!

 

Apr 17, 2016 03:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Never been. Have been in some serious tornado weather, that is it. 

Apr 17, 2016 03:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I've been in my home for one hurricane and have left for two others.  It all depends on the predicted severity of the storm.

Apr 17, 2016 03:13 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

No.  I live in earthquake country ... California.  

Apr 17, 2016 03:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

We don't have them but we have hairy dust storms (haboobs, what a silly name) and microbursts that can literally tear a roof off a house. If we were getting a hurricane and it was a force strong enough to destroy a house, I'd pack up and split for a few days. My husband is from FL and they don't seem to ever worry about such things. And I'm from SoCA and slept through just about every big quake. So who knows?

Apr 17, 2016 02:47 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Never have.  Hope never to.  Not sure what I would do.  My home doesn't have a basement.  I might try to find a friend with a basement.  

Apr 17, 2016 12:45 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

I sat through more than i can remember. I would rather wait them out in my house than in my car trying to get away.

Apr 17, 2016 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Fortunately no hurricane has approached Erie PA in my lifetime, but we have had lots of rain from the backside of the hurricane.  Still remember Agnes in 1972.

Apr 17, 2016 12:26 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

We have been at our condo in Destin when a mild one came through. We stuck it out and the skies were gorgeous within hours after it passed.

Apr 17, 2016 12:12 AM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Have been through 2 - stayed at home

Apr 16, 2016 11:57 PM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

Never been in one and not an issue here in the Pacific NW. If I moved to an area that had them - I would probably follow the recommended evac notifications.

Apr 16, 2016 11:27 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I hope you will be in another state if you get one, be safe and leave.

 

Apr 20, 2016 03:19 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,544
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Living in a land-locked state, no hurricanes, not even on vacation.  Tornadoes, yes.   One went over me once in Oklahoma, and have seen a few in Denver.  I go to the basement.

Apr 18, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have been through many hurricanes. However, we never had to leave our home.

Apr 17, 2016 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

I stay home, I tried leaving once and the storm followed me inland.  They need to be respected but not feared.

Apr 17, 2016 07:49 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Susan - fortunately no storms for me yet!

Apr 17, 2016 04:42 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

yes and no.  It was actually no longer a hurricane, but had significant flooding from Opal.  I believe it was in 94

Apr 17, 2016 03:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

it depends on where you are- on the coast - for example the Outer banks and it was a major hurricane, I would leave - although I stayed through a hurricane on Nantucket Island one summer - that was fun - If I were in DC I would stay put 

Apr 17, 2016 02:18 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Fortunately these storms never get built up on the great lakes, but I have lived through 3 tornados.  Just run for the basement and hope for the best.

Apr 17, 2016 02:15 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I have never been in a hurricane...thank goodness. 

Apr 17, 2016 02:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Hurricane Hazel was the last hurricane in our area way back in 1954.

Apr 17, 2016 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

We were in our motorhome along the Gulf in a motor home park 2 hours before Katrina was to hit land.  He headed north to our next destination in Minnesota and had the rain from the storm all the way to Iowa.  It was a good thing we left when we did.

Apr 17, 2016 12:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I never had such pleasure. I'd probably pack and hide, what else you can do? 

Apr 17, 2016 10:53 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have not and not looking to be in one any time soon

Apr 17, 2016 09:21 AM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Fortunately, no hurricanes...but lightning strikes, that's a whole different story.

Apr 17, 2016 09:14 AM