“Should I stay or should I go?” is a song by the Clash.  It’s also a decision that many Florida residents are making today, my son included.  His business is closed through the weekend, as are the schools, so the opportunity to “get out of Dodge” is possible.  I was even able to get them a room in Atlanta for three nights, if they wanted to make the drive.  He’s already boarded-up the house and stocked the cupboards, so at least they’ve had time to prepare.  It looks like Hurricane Irma will track directly through the state, so inland homes like his are threatened, and no one is taking that lightly.  However, abandoning your home is a tough decision – one that I’ve never had to make!

Gas is the first problem once you hit the road.  Traffic is also a major concern.  What might normally take 10 hours to drive to Atlanta could take 20.  Also, the storm itself could reach Atlanta by the time he’s ready to return, which could hamper getting back to work and school.  All these factors need to be taken into account in making a decision, but the main priority is the safety of the two kids.  Stuck in traffic, with no gas and no place to stay in the midst of this storm could be a bigger risk than just staying home.  After all, there is a shelter at the high school nearby their home.

They’ve decided to stay.  My wife thinks they should definitely evacuate, but I’m not so sure.  There’s no place to go that won’t be overrun by other evacuees.  The likelihood of food, gas, and power shortages is real and frightening.  The storm could also take a sudden turn.  I think they should seek the shelter, because there is no basement in their home and the winds will be life threatening.  As I sit here safe, dry, and helpless, I will certainly be worried about them.  I also fret for my fellow retirees, who located to Florida to avoid the threats of ice and snow.  I have several acquaintances that I will be following on Face Book.  This storm is a killer.  “Should I stay or should I go?”

Houston is recovering and the fires here in Oregon seem to be under control.  Mexico gets hit with a magnitude-8.1 earthquake and resulting tsunami threats.  The Caribbean islands are a path of destruction from Irma that is quickly approaching Florida.  Should we start to worry about pestilence?  Or should I just go back to bed?