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Post by otf on Sept 5, 2017 20:27:09 GMT -5
I know a lot of people are watching the track of this storm; I think you're the only person I "know" who is in Florida. I'm worried about it way up here in Virginia, so I can only imagine what's going on with you. You're on my mind and in my prayers.
Gale
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Post by littlecowfl on Sept 6, 2017 4:08:10 GMT -5
Thank you. We are preparing the farm. We are high for Florida, so flooding isn't an issue. During Hurricane Matthew last year, we had some fence repairs to make and the roof of our hay barn was damaged. The cows should be fine in a big field with a good fence and not too many trees to fall. Our house has a new roof, so we hope that will hold as well. Prayers for everyone who might be hit by this. I feel most sorry for those on the islands right in it's path. And for those in Houston still struggling.
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Post by otf on Sept 6, 2017 7:43:42 GMT -5
Good to know; it sounds like you've done what you can, and hope it will be enough to withstand this storm. I made a long list of things to do in advance of the storm and have been running to and fro, with some help, trying to get things done. What I dread most is losing power and having to listen to the wind noise. That about drove me nuts during H. Isabel.
Anyone else in the potential path who's on this board? I hope everyone will post something when this is all said and done.
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Post by legendrockranch on Sept 6, 2017 8:10:14 GMT -5
Holly Dzielak, lives in Punta Gorda Florida. I know she is extremely worried. She mentioned to me that she is ready as can be with all supplies and generator. However seeing what has gone on here in Texas tells me that you can never be too prepared.
Please stay safe littlecow and all those in the hurricanes path, you are in our prayers.
Barb
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Post by cddexter on Sept 6, 2017 9:09:07 GMT -5
ditto.
The NW coast is pretty safe, weatherwise, so tornados and hurricanes don't loom large for us, thank heavens. I would think it doesn't matter how often you go through this, every time is like the first time. You think you've thought of it all, and WHAM!, along comes something out of the blue (or dark grey, I guess) you hadn't planned for.
Glad to hear you are on high ground. Keep us posted. c.
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Post by otf on Sept 6, 2017 17:35:55 GMT -5
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Post by cddexter on Sept 7, 2017 9:08:32 GMT -5
Yikes, Gale, snakes and fire ants? You all need to move in my direction. Temperate climate, the only thing you'd have to contend with is Canadians, which is problem enough, I guess...
We'll all be watching, Alicia. I won't wish you luck, because preparedness is better, and I'm not sure prayers work under these conditions, either.
Thinking of you, c.
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Post by littlecowfl on Sept 8, 2017 4:47:37 GMT -5
Thanks, everyone. We are in the northern end of the state. I worry for those at the southern end.
I moved two extra water troughs into the main cow pasture. We'll keep those topped off until the power goes out. I have enough hay tucked away to feed the cows if we have fences down. Feed is tucked away, too. We don't have any little calves or cows due any time soon. Our little herd should weather it well, but I hate that they don't have shelter except for the trees.
Last time a storm came through, our cows had enough high ground to keep their hooves dry. After the storm, they were very clean, as if pressure washed. Our new farm will have a good strong barn for them to shelter in. We will start building it after hurricane season.
Meanwhile, the horses and sheep have a barn, but the horses always stand in their paddocks during a storm. They hate the sound of it in their stalls. The two rabbits cages will go into the tack room. The laying hens will be moved into a makeshift pen at one end of the hay barn. Our coop uses a lot of wire to keep the hens from overheating, but sideways rain will soak them, so, the makeshift pen at one end of the hay barn should keep them dry. We also have some baby meat chickens (rangers) that will go in a separate pen. Our son has one baby laying hen in with the baby meat chickens. She will be in a rabbit cage in the house (she is small enough to slip out of the meat chicken cage).
The dogs and cats (and one baby hen) will be inside with us. I can't fathom those who leave their dogs outside during a storm. Especially tied up in a flood prone area.
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Post by otf on Sept 8, 2017 7:15:41 GMT -5
littlecow, I know how difficult it is to plan for things like this, but the reality is you can only do so much. It sounds like you're on top of all this. I'm doing pretty much the same although I think the storm will be somewhat diminished when it gets up here to us and that's okay by me, but I'm doing it anyway just because......you never know.
Do you think you will be ordered to evacuate?
Gale
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Post by littlecowfl on Sept 8, 2017 10:50:32 GMT -5
We are not in an evacuation zone because of our height above sea level. the cow pasture is even higher. The grass is sparse, but at least they'll be dry.
Mobile homes are always considered an evacuation zone, but we have a house. So many live in trailers down here. I hope they are leaving today. We put the word out through our church that anyone in a trailer can stay with us.
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Post by cddexter on Sept 8, 2017 12:18:24 GMT -5
wow, blessings on you. Enough food or do they bring their own? Have you thought of Jose and Katia following?
Thinking of the future, engineering-wise, a good way to keep the roof on the barn is to hold it down with footings, so the floor becomes the anchor. As long as it's securely fastened, the roof stays put. If you want input, let me know.
c.
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Post by littlecowfl on Sept 8, 2017 12:31:13 GMT -5
Thanks. Our horse barn meets all current engineering guidelines for the state. They are very specific about roof attachments. The hay barn is pushing 50 years old, so it has seen some action and held up (mostly). I am seriously considering using cinder block construction for our new barns.
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Post by cddexter on Sept 8, 2017 15:48:12 GMT -5
Ah, good idea. With pierced blocks for ventilation? (and lower wind resistance). c.
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Post by cddexter on Sept 11, 2017 8:12:25 GMT -5
Alicia: dead silence from Florida. Are you all okay? Just busy? Let us know? From the latest weather reports, it looks like she veered west of you but you still got lots of rain. Glad to see she's been downgraded to a tropical storm. phew!! C.
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Post by otf on Sept 11, 2017 16:53:02 GMT -5
Ditto what cddexter said. Hoping well soon hear from you that all is well with you and your family plus animals!
Gale
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