Sept. 23, 2005 ~ In Rita's path
Storm's coming. Things look bad. We are far enough inland that we do not have to worry about a direct hit, but weather reports are predicting anywhere from 4 to 12 inches of rain in a very short period of time. 45 mph winds with gusts to 70 or higher. I've seen those kind of winds before, have seen them down trees as if they were matchsticks. People are going slightly crazy here.
This morning an emergency meeting was called and various officials met at our church to make plans for housing evacuees fleeing from Rita. My day has been spent on the phone, finding places for people (and their dogs) to stay. And now there is no room at the inn -- all local shelters are full -- and we are considering opening the church as a shelter, but we have no beds, no cots, no bedding, no nothing. If the Red Cross designates us as a shelter, they will supply those items, if they still have anything left.
It's funny how quickly we've gotten used to dealing with evacuees. Katrina taught us a few things and now I at least know who to call and what sort of help is available... sometimes.
We have a couple of large trees near our house and we are worried about them falling on us, but it's too late to do anything about it. We've gathered up just about everything that isn't tied down outside, and have put it in the barn. Now, if the barn will just hold on. Last big storm we had took off part of the barn roof, and that is possible again. I'm wondering where to park my truck so that it's least likely to have trees or debris fall on it.
Anyway, that's all for now. Storm's coming tomorrow. I'll try to check in after the worst is over.
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