Alan, stay safe.
I spoke with my mother yesterday. She had moved her important papers to her storm bunker. She will close her blinds and then she and her brother and SIL will go over my cousin's house which is on the same road. My uncle had boarded up his windows. He lived on a bay, but they have never had any problems. When Opal hit directly on Panama City, they got some rain and winds but no flooding or damage, they are in Freeport which is about 40 minutes northeast of Destin and 45 minutes north west of Panama City, and about 50 mile south of the Alabama line on 331. If they get evac orders they will all go to the storm bunker, it is an 8000 pound solid 3 inch steel box. it had army bunk beds, 2 doors which open in incase of trees falling, fresh air supply which cant be clogged by rain, she keeps water and food on hand to put in there. Her real concern is that she is coming up here next week and doesn't want to be delayed in Fort Walton or Atlanta. Her new porch and carport are built to withstand 125 hour winds but her trailer probably isn't. So if it gets nasty, she will have to live in the bunker for a few days.
My mothers family is very matter of fact about stuff. THey don't take the storms lightly, but they also won't panic. What will be will be.
Hi Sandy!!!
Crisis averted. My DH noticed and moved it all to his car! But it got my blood flowing early this morning. 
