Waiting

[mysticamethyst]

Here we sit waiting for Hurrican Ike. I hate waiting, not that I want the storm, but I hate waiting. Here in Houston we have heard nothing but about that storm since Wednesday night there has been nothing on regular channels except hurricane information. Honestly, if you don't have cable here you get nothing but constant hurricane talk. I get being prepared, I do, but really is this much hype necessary or is it just me. This storm is still only a cat 2 not the strong 3 possible 4 that they predicted. Maybe, just maybe the news channels are the ones creating all the nervousness and anxiety people are feeling. I guess I am just upset becasue they have done this for the past 3 hurricanes and watching them scare people is getting old. I am of the feeling the more you watch the more nervous a person feels, and really the news has been on nonstop since Wednesday night. All right sorry for ranting, but I hate waiting. Have a good day and any of you in the path of the storm like we are be safe.:grouphug:

[chiguirre]

Well, to be honest, I haven't watched much TV, it's just not something I normally think to do. BUT, did you see the waves already topping the Galveston sea wall!!! That is one impressive visual. I was thinking this would be like Rita and we'd have a bad storm and be without power a couple of days.

Now, we will almost certainly be getting hurricane force winds even though we live about 70 miles inland. Centerpoint Energy was announcing that some areas would be without power for up to 2 weeks. I don't like that they specifically mentioned the "lovely wooded areas" as particularly vulnerable. Umm, do you think Kingwood, "The Liveable Forest", might be in that category? I sure hope not, but we may be hitting the road if it looks like we'll be without power for more than 5 days.

The most astounding thing is that there are still some people planning to stay in Galveston?!? I guess you just can't scare some people even with "facing certain death".

I sure hope the local news is exagerating, but I'm starting to think that maybe they aren't...

[Parrothead]

This storm is still only a cat 2 not the strong 3 possible 4 that they predicted. Maybe, just maybe the news channels are the ones creating all the nervousness and anxiety people are feeling. I guess I am just upset becasue they have done this for the past 3 hurricanes and watching them scare people is getting old.
They won't ever learn either. Things like that cause people to disregard warnings. People get complacent when "wolf" is cried too often. Then lives are lost when the "big one" finally arrives.

Stay safe. :grouphug:

[elegantlion]

We are still debating on whether to leave. our house is boarded up again and we are packed again. Ds at least has a sense of humor, he calls it an evacuation vacation. :glare:

We're in SW Louisiana. Our parish has called a partial mandatory evacuation, for low lying areas and special needs people. Otherwise they say be prepared to be without power for several days.

[clwcain]

Now I have a Tom Petty song stuck in my head.

Prayers for all y'all.

[elegantlion]

Now I have a Tom Petty song stuck in my head.

Prayers for all y'all.

I have the Clash stuck in mine. "Should I stay or should I go now?" :confused:

[Rich with Kids]

The footage from Galveston is awesome! The waves are already coming over the seawall. We're ready. We drove passed the store last night just to see the commotion and what did I see in every cart? No, not water. Cases of Bud Light! :lol:

[clwcain]

I have the Clash stuck in mine. "Should I stay or should I go now?" :confused:
If I go there will be trouble; If I stay it will be double...

Tough call.

[Mrs. Readsalot]

I have the Clash stuck in mine. "Should I stay or should I go now?" :confused:

Beat It!!! Well ds is learning on the guitar so I know that is why it is stuck in my head but after I read your post and the other posters about stuck songs and the hurricane well it just makes you wonder. Please be safe and we will be thinking of you.

[Dayle in Guatemala]

We've been watching the news. You all stay safe. We are praying for you!

[sdWTMer]

Stay safe! :grouphug::grouphug:

[sdWTMer]

"Hurricane Ike is closing in on Texas, and stands poised to become one of the most damaging hurricanes of all time. Despite Ike's rated Category 2 strength, the hurricane is much larger and more powerful than Category 5 Katrina or Category 5 Rita."

I got this on Wunderground (http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html)

[Joanne]

I guess I am just upset becasue they have done this for the past 3 hurricanes and watching them scare people is getting old. I am of the feeling the more you watch the more nervous a person feels, and really the news has been on nonstop since Wednesday night. All right sorry for ranting, but I hate waiting.

Preparation weariness is a real dynamic and concern. The more we prepare for natural disasters that don't happen (here), the less inclined we become to take safety measures the next time.

In this case, I don't believe that the local news media creates intentional hype. I don't believe they are being irresponsible.

Statistically and logically we are in a hurricane risk geographic region. Eventually, we will get "hit". Ever wondering if "this is the one" is tiresome. I understand. Being on an extended state of hypervigilance is tiring.

I think the 24/7 coverage is a mixed, probably necessary, blessing.

{hugs} and prayers for safety.