MSK said:Living in South Mississippi presented quiet a scare during Hurricane Katrina. I live approximatly two blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. There wasn't enough time during evacuation to pack up the collection. While I felt reasonably sure my home was safe from major damage, I would have preferred to bring them with me, but winds were already at a dangerous level. It would have taken way too much time.
After the storm we were able to reach my daughter's house the next morning. Our first impression from the street was very encourging. We couldn't see any damage what-so-ever. But opening the door proved to be gut wrenching as we realized they had received about 4' water. Everything was ruined. At least they were safe and the house was rebuildable. With the help of many friends they were able to move back in about two weeks ago.
Returning to our house was heartbreaking. It took two days for the water to recede enough. We had to park a full block north of the house and walk over debris to reach it. Because we had to climb over parts of houses, furniture, appliances, etc., we just knew we no longer had a home or it had at least been flooded. Imagine our surpise to see the house damaged but still standing. Though after seeing my daughter's house we held little hope for the inside. Again...much to our surprise we received absolutely no water! After further investigation we could see just how close we came. The water came within 10' of the house and stopped. Some of our neighbors to the south weren't as lucky. Many homes are reduced to slabs or completely gutted. Most sad of all...just in our little neiborhood, 6 lives were lost!
Back to the original topic and on a brighter note...I have since realized that my collection is far too valuable to take so lightly. I have literally thousands of dollars invested. I 've since attached a rider to my homes owners policy that will, at the very least, offer a return in the event of unforseen circumstances.
Man, that's quite a story bro. Glad you were ok though.