Uebelhart . Net

Well obviously Rita will hit us. It’s just a matter of how bad it will be.
It was actually going to be a bit worse when it was projected to hit to the southwest of us, now that it is projected to pass just a few miles to the east, it might be better. Dirty sides and wind and whatnot.

Here’s the best source of info: NOAA

We will most likely (80% chance as of now) Ride It Out.

Our Preparation

Water: We looked for water Tuesday, and it was already gone (Krogers, Beldans, 99cents only, Sams, etc). We have about 7 Gallons of bottled water, 7 gallons of other beverages (juice, gatoraide, sodas), lots of medicinal beverages (case of assorted beers, gallon of rum, mixed other boozes), and containers for at least 40 gallons of tap water. So we are fine in the liquid department. I fear we will soon have more water than we need.

Building Supplies: We stood in line at 5:30 am on Wednesday outside Home Depot to be able to get some plywood that had come in over night. We got 12 sheets and got it home. We’ve also managed to get enough wood screws, masonry screws, duct tape, etc. I had to work Wednesday but am off (as is Dawn) the rest of the week. Last night I did the marking and measuring of the plywood for the main problem areas (sliding door, front picture and dining windows, breakfast windows). Today I will cut them out and finish with the other windows. I’ll also get Dawn to start taping inside (although taping does not do a heck of alot, it’s better than nothing).

Back Flooding: During real heavy/prolong rain our back yard drains into our patio. We’ve never had it come up into the patio door yet, but I fear that might happen this time. So in addition to boarding up the patio door, I have made waterproofing plans that includes extra wood reinforcement, sprayed expansion foam (it’ll be heck to clean up), and sand bags.

Food: We are okay for food for a couple of days. I might send Dawn out for more today while I am boarding. I’ll board, she can hoard.

Misc: We broke out our camping equipment (stove, lanterns, etc) so should be ready in case we lose power. We have enough propane for awhile, plus our BBQ grill.

Friends: As of yesterday, here’s what we know about various freinds:
My Dad: He left for Crockett yesterday. Dawn & I might head out there if we have a change in plans.
Chris & Lynda & Ben & Becky (Hwy 6 near Westheimer): Chris plans on staying home, there has been changing ideas whether the rest of them will stay or go.
Hef & Beth (Near U of H): They have a converted warehouse that they live in now, and it’s perhaps the safest structural place you could want. They are riding it out there.
Bob: We have not heard from.
Kenny: Has bugged out with his mother and Sister to parts west.
Carlton: He bugged out to Concan.
Tiffin & Lisa and the kids: Left yesterday.
Tom: He’s still in N’awlins while his wife and kids are in College Station.
David & Family (from work): They live in Pearland and left last night to stay with some friends in River Oaks.

Well, gotta go and start slaving.