[MarshHen]

Just wondering since alot of us Southern ladies live on or close to the coast. If you were totally wiped out by a hurricane, and you could rebuild, would you, or would you move somewhere where there is less risk?

I have been asked this so many times by tourist and northern friends. And, even though I have lived through many a hurricane while living on the coast of Florida while growing up and now on the Georgia coast, myself or my family have never lost everything (Thank God!) due to a hurricane. We have had damage, but nothing major. We have several families who have been relocated here in our area due to hurricane Katrina. Most of them say that they would go back and rebuild if they could. Hubby and myself have talked about it and we feel the same way.

What about ya'll?

 

[Valerie in WA]

I live in the opposite 'corner' of the US - in earthquake territory, but if I can share my opinion I will.

If my home were inland and destroyed by wind (not storm surge), yes, I would rebuild. After all, every locale has it's risks. However, I think building a house on shifting sand where storm surge will come again is, well, less than wise. As a matter of fact, I believe Jesus had something to say about building a home on shifting sand. :toothy:

Here, in real life, if my home were destroyed by earthquake I would rebuild. However, I would not live, nor rebuild, in the lava flow area of known volcanos.

 

[MarshHen]

Hi Valerie:grnwave:

Yes, I agree with you 100% on the storm surge. We personally wouldn't build right on the beach. I remember wondering why people build on cliffs when they had the mud slides in Caifornia last year and so many homes were destroyed. It's true that every region has it's risks. I have a good friend who posts here at FV, and she lives in Kelso, Washington. She worries about me and the hurricanes, and I worry about her with Mt. St. Helens and earthquakes, LOL.

I guess it's the fear of the unknown. Earthquakes, like tornado's seem so random to me and I have never experianced either one. Hurricanes, even though dangerous, can be forecast easily, and you have the opportunity to get out of harms way if you choose to, and believe me, I do if necessary.

In closing, LOL, let's pray that we all stay safe.

(((Hugs)))

 

[Panndy1]

Hi Carolyn,

I see you talking about me. LOL That is sweet that you worry about me. I think I have more to worry about your and those hurricanes. There are hurricanes down there every year. Thankfully most of them are not bad ones. As for me they do predict "the big one" as far as an earthquake out here. I don't worry about it. It might not even happen in my lifetime.

Our other friend we worry about cause she lives in tornado country. Hope she will soon be back here at the village with us.

 

[Laurie in Bradenton]

DH's family lost 3 family homes in the tidal surge in Biloxi all want to rebuld. Homes were going into their 3rd generation of familys but the govenment is not allowing them to rebuild. All lots are being purchased up by the casinos. New hotels, parking garages and the like will be going up on these lots. All family members are sad about having to start over somewhere eles but with the monies recieved from the casinos it'll be easier. You see these homes were owned outright and did not have flood or homeowners insurance. Now fire insurance they had as they were wooden homes. The govenement would not allow homes like they had lived in to be rebuilt and the type of new restrictions were just too much. Sooo they sold out and are starting over. We feel very lucky no one was lost only things. Things can be replaced but loved one can't.
As for us here on Floirda's west coast we'd comeback if possible.

Laurie in Bradenton

 

[Backtoreality]

You are right, everywhere has its risks. Here in the midwest it is the tornadoes!! My little town has been hit so many times....but everyone rebuilds. It is our homes, so I totally understand!

 

[KWLinda]

I live in an apartment and storm surge from Hurricane Wilma wiped out all of my possessions with the exception of personal photos, family momentos and important documents which always stay with me during a hurricane. If I owned here would I rebuild. Definitely Yes! I am 1/2 mile inland and don't live on "shifting sands", the island is made up of coral rock. The last time Key West experienced a surge this devastating was in the 1930's. So more than 70 years between. We could have another storm with similar surge this season or not at all for generations. Everywhere has it's risk, to me the risk is worth it to live on a tropical island and enjoy the best that mother nature has to offer day in and day out. I only wish I COULD buy in Key West but right now fixer uppers are going for over $350,000. Not exactly in my budget.

 

[Goodwin17]

I have lived where tornadoes frequent in NW Alabama, and now I live in NW Florida. I moved here in 2005, a little less than a year after hurricane Ivan, and last year we ran away from hurricane Dennis. I live about 3-4 miles inland, so I don't have to worry about storm surge too much. I'm not sure if I would rebuild or not. I probably would.

 

[Droppedonmyhead]

My plans are to retire and move out of state. Since the hurricanes, property has risen at an unbelievable rate. I plan to move out of state, purchase a home at a reasonable cost and come back for half the year and mooch off of my friends and daughter. . lol. Seriously though, insurance rates are going through the roof here and I don't want to be an old lady and have a hurricane wipe out my home one day. Many people right now can't afford home insurance and don't have carry any on their homes. I feel that one day, only the very rich will be able to actually live in Florida.

 

[Laurie in Bradenton]

Couldn't agree with you more droppedonmyhead!! Our home owners insurance company stopped selling homeowners last year. We got picked up by the compnay that under wrote them at double the rate, which was still cheaper than the state pool. Now we're 20 miles from the beach with a barrier island and in a non-flood zone! We are planning to retire (someday) in South Texas where our plants will grow. We've already looked into the area and are amazed at the differences in costs. If work would allow it we'd move today.

Laurie in Bradenton

 

[baxjul]

I live 10 miles inland, so while we get wind damage we don't see any surge! I would definitely rebuild! I love it here!

 

[TooSweetForMe]

We (my mom and I) would definitely rebuild. My only sister lives on the OBX, we live about an hour away from the beach. We have no other family in the area. My nephew lives in Houston, my DD lives in Morehead City, and my son lives in Iowa. My mom had an aneurysm last year and all her doctors are here.