Very Scary Situation. What Would You Do?
A few days ago, a very scary situation happened in Florida. An RV resort got flooded. People had to be evacuated in boats. The water was about 2 to 3 feet high. It made me stop and thing (and worr...
Forum Discussion
RayJayco wrote:
Too much to read all of the replies so I will only address the OP. Keep in mind that I am a native Floridian and have had a home in Tampa all of my life.
The news article that OP posted states that the area the RV parks are in is prone to flooding. I agree, see why below...
There are areas around Tampa Bay that are prone to flooding as we are about 15 feet above sea level on average.
The storm drainage system in some areas is very old and needs updating. Todays standards are quite different from the times when it was originally developed as well a much greater population.
The entire northern end of Tampa Bay (Technically "Old Tampa Bay" and some unofficial local names) is a flood zone. For those that don't agree, ...check the FEMA maps... I can provide links if you want...
Typically in Florida, anywhere near water- the coast, rivers, lakes, etc., has the potential to flood, as we are flat, as in no mountains and again, very close to sea level...
Well over a week in advance it was told that we had a tropical low sitting over us and a high to the north holding the low in place, expect rain everyday, with about 80% coverage... Even people that don't watch the weather reports regularly should know enough to start to wonder after several days of heavy rain, ditches filling, etc., and start checking...
It reminds me of the guy standing in the flooded streets of New Orleans after Katrina, saying he just wants what he deserves...
Keep in mind that the news is an entertainment medium. They show what people want to see, which is usually an edited part of the worst case scenario...
Yes, we had flooding. It doesn't happen to this extent very often. And the same areas typically flood. Our entire area was NOT under water... My lake rose about 3 feet and would need to rise another 10-12 feet to get to my house. The streets in my neighborhood were not flooded. (I live a few blocks north of Tampa City limits near the Lake Magdalene neighborhood)
This was different than a hurricane as a hurricane comes and dumps a massive amount of rain (and storm surge which is a major source of the damage) and moves on.
This was a steady rain for days...
As far as to unplug the RV... I am sure that some people at those RV parks unplugged and some didn't. I have heard of no (zero) electrocutions or fires there... Keep in mind that it is an RV and can be replaced. If you are afraid, don't touch it and evacuate...
Alligators?
You have a far greater chance of getting struck by lightning than being attacked by a gator. They typically stay away from people...
Even if you do see one. I have swam around gators quite a few times, both knowing they were there and not... Crocodiles are dangerous, we have none in FL except down at the extreme southern end of state (everglades).
Yes, some people feed the gators and cause them to lose their fear, however your chances of encountering is minimal. Better to watch out for displaced water moccasins...
If fact, you should probably fear bull sharks more than gators as the bay is full of them, and they have no problem visiting or living in fresh water...
What should you do? Simple:
Fill all of your tanks with water- fresh, gray and black. This will give your RV weight closer to the ground adding stability.
Unplug or not- your choice. If unsure, turn off the breakers inside and go to a hotel...
Listen to the weather reports if you see the ditches filling, notice standing water or have rain for a significant amount of time and has hard without letting up... It does not flash flood here... It takes time...
Listen for evacuation bulletins and comply if ordered...
Go to a hotel/motel if in doubt or call 911 and they will come and get you...
Summer is our rainy season. As when you are in any place that you are not familiar, listen to the weather reports, ask locals, pay attention and be aware. Common sense goes a long way...
The above is a little long, but IF you truly want the answer, there it is.
As a 35 year resident of south Florida, (Naples) I can only say the information contained here is accurate and comprehensive. Good job RayJayco. Well done.
To the OP: Your stay in January and February will not be affected. Don't worry. Those months are in the middle of Florida's dry season. You will not see much rain, if any at all.
