Some folks have been curious about exactly where in New Orleans I'm sheltering.
It's very near to here.
I'm not going to be more specific for obvious reasons. :-)
Some emails and comments imply that I have some sort of death wish, or that I'm a thrillseekin' idjit.
Puhleeze.
I am in a well built multi-story home. This home took 4-5 ft. of water during Katrina. A 30 ft. storm surge would not flood the upper stories of this residence. The lower floor is constructed entirely of steel-reinforced cinder blocks. It would require a direct hit from a Fujita Class V tornado to take down this home. The French Quarter hotel where Mayor Nagin and the rest of the emergency staff, along with virtually all the media reporting on the storm, are staying, is no better protected.
The only place I can readily imagine that could be safer would be in a bank vault, provided I could locate one high enough not to flood.
I think that for the vast majority of people, evacuation in the face of this storm is the only prudent course of action. I believe my situation to be unique, or I would have bugged out.
I have been a believer in disaster preparedness for a long, long time. I could survive for at least, I don't know, three months maybe, without any outside resources. The most likely repercussion, the almost certain repercussion, is that I'll be without power for awhile, and thus unable to access the Net. I have no doubt that someone that reads this will then conclude that I have met my reward, in more ways than one. We shall see.
I realize nobody is bulletproof, and Fate can fsck you. A tree branch could blow through a window into my skull - or a tornado could hit before I get downstairs. But the chances of that happening are much less than the everyday ordinary risks that you will certainly take today if you choose to get into an automobile, and I for sure hope that none of you thinking I'm a fool smoke cigarettes.
So, enough with the RIPs and composing my eulogy, Ok? Thanks. :-)
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9 comments:
I used to live on N. Rendon (1812, I think) back in mid 80s. You're not too far from there, I bet.
It was easy walking distance to the "new" Whole Foods that had just opened, and the Hare Krishna house, featuring a delectable feast that I could've gone to for free! I wonder if they're still there... Well, not right this moment.
Yep, they're still there. Dunno about at this moment. :-)
Read this
Found the old homestead on street view Google - I remembered the number wrong. It shows up on 1236 N. Rendon.
Looks like it's getting dark there. Take care. I'm gonna be watching from the Fat Harry's cam. Used to live right behind that place, too.
I'll put a webcam up pointing out the window when things get interesting.
I find your blogging great, don't listen to the nay sayers, you are a brave man and doing a service for us all. It is nice to hear from someone who doesn't have any agenda except to report what is going on. We need more people like you.
Hope you are laid in with plenty of "provisions". Praying for all, but especially the Abita brewery. (Life not the same in Georgia w/o real Dixie beer anymore).
I spent a very boozy Mardi Gras on the corner of Poydras and St. Charles one year...
A buddy had access to One Shell Square, so we actually had a clean place to use the bathroom.
Ah, the memories...
My folks evacuated yesterday from Harding just off Dumaine, and are riding it out here in Baton Rouge with us.
You stay safe.
I sure hope Ruth's Cris on N. Broad comes through OK. I miss going there for lunch. Be well...
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