What Happened to the Hurricane Rita Thread?

[drakethib]

It seems to me that the lesson to be learned from all of these hurricanes is rather simple. People that lost their houses due to tidal surge should not rebuild in the same location. If you live behind a levee, then be prepared to die.

With storms such as Rita and Katrina, it is not a matter of if another will happen. It's just a matter of when. Rebuilding in known flood zones is foolish. Yet, throughout Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, rebuilding in known flood plains goes on at a rapid pace as I type.

Also, people that had severe damage to their houses due to fallen trees and other wind damage, need to harden their houses against wind damage for the next time around. There are several inexpensive techniques that can be used (such as attic gable braces, 6 nails per 3 tab shingle, wooden hurricane shutters, etc.) that can make a huge difference in home hurricane survival.

Unfortunately, most people are very short sighted. They don't plan for future storms. They think that a hurricane such as Rita, Katrina, Ivan, Dennis or Charley is unlikely to hit them. The truth is, they are right! The odds of being within the destructive path of most hurricanes is rather small.

Frankly, I have little sympathy for people that were surprised by the level of destruction due to Rita or the other recent storms. If you live in an area that is subject to hurricane force winds, then you must honestly evaluate the potential for damage to your home and take any needed steps to mitigate those problems.

If anyone expects the local, state or federal governments or the Red Cross to save them in the event of a major storm, then you are being foolish. You need to be totally self sufficient. You should have a 30 day stockpile of nonperishable food, water, medicine, temporary shelter and whatever else you deem to be necessary to your survival.

After all, it's your responsibility to survive.

I find your statements pretty offensive.

While I agree with your statement on people need to be prepared and there are some techinques that will aid helping prepare your home for a hurricane, you will not stop the wrath of mother nature.

What your saying is that the Gulf and East Coast should be vacated.

We also need to vacate the mid west because of tornados, no one can live in the mountains becuase of a possible avalanche, better not live on a hill because of errosion and a possible mudslide. I am not sure where the US is going to fit everyone.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Don't forget earthquakes, Tsnamis, floods, snow storms, forest fires, ice storms, heat stroke, and heaven knows how many other natural disaters.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

While I feel horrible about the victims of Katrina, the victims of Rita have been forgotten.

Places that opened their hearts and homes to those who were affected by Katrina, had to destruction themseleves one month later, and yet it seems that the nation has only focused on Katrina.

I was one of the lucky ones who did not lose as much as others, but neighbors have lost everything.

Sour grapes maybe, but it is very upsetting.

God Bless all victims.

I haven't forgotten about them!

My in-laws live in Beaumont and in Nederland. One totally lost her house and the others are all battling their insurance companies right now over damage.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

It seems to me that the lesson to be learned from all of these hurricanes is rather simple. People that lost their houses due to tidal surge should not rebuild in the same location. If you live behind a levee, then be prepared to die.

That's beyond crass. These people lived where generations before them lived. Those levees failed because of humans, not because of the storm.

With storms such as Rita and Katrina, it is not a matter of if another will happen. It's just a matter of when. Rebuilding in known flood zones is foolish. Yet, throughout Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, rebuilding in known flood plains goes on at a rapid pace as I type.

This is totally false. The city of Houston has purchased so many homes because of Tropical Storm Allison, it's not even funny. Flood plains change - you can't predict when an area will flood because of new neighborhoods/construction.

Plus that, those in Flood Zone A have to purchase insurance if their homes are mortgaged. They know what they're doing.

Also, people that had severe damage to their houses due to fallen trees and other wind damage, need to harden their houses against wind damage for the next time around. There are several inexpensive techniques that can be used (such as attic gable braces, 6 nails per 3 tab shingle, wooden hurricane shutters, etc.) that can make a huge difference in home hurricane survival.

No amout of bracing will stop a tree from falling. Should those be cut down too?

Unfortunately, most people are very short sighted. They don't plan for future storms. They think that a hurricane such as Rita, Katrina, Ivan, Dennis or Charley is unlikely to hit them. The truth is, they are right! The odds of being within the destructive path of most hurricanes is rather small.

Frankly, I have little sympathy for people that were surprised by the level of destruction due to Rita or the other recent storms. If you live in an area that is subject to hurricane force winds, then you must honestly evaluate the potential for damage to your home and take any needed steps to mitigate those problems.

Wow. I hope that makes you proud.

If you can't have sympathy for those who've lost everything and have no prospect for ever getting it back, then you have my sympathy.

There is NO part of this country that is immune to a natural disaster. You'd better hope that when/if it happens to you, or someone that you care about, that there are people out there who are sympathetic to your situation.

 

[MrsKreamer]

To be honest, even though many are rebuilding and getting their lives back on track; there are still tens of thousands of people still homeless(living with relatives, in hotels, on cruise ships, and tents) still waiting for FEMA trailers. Oh yeah and this is just in the New Orleans area. My parents got theirs last week. The reason New Orleans is in the news more is because of its importance to the rest of the country., It is a huge tourist town, has a long and rich history, and is the second largest port(but probably reaches more of the country) in the US. Pre-Katrina almost 2 million lived in the New Orleans metro area. That means 2 million + people were in some way affected by this storm. In my family alone each member had damage, ranging from my grandparents and my mother losing everything to my dad having to have his home gutted due to mold growth(caused by minor wind damage to his roof which led to rain water caving the ceiling in), to my uncle having 6 large trees down. Now 5 months later I am just returning home. Every street has at least 90% of its homes with blue tarps on its roofs. Think that's minor right....Well when the wind takes off a few shingles and rain water is allowed in, it saturates the ceilings causing them to collapse. When the ceilings collapse rain water then enters your home from above. Because most people were not allowed to return to their homes until 2 weeks later mold took over. So minor wind damage has led to many homes being completely destroyed or needing to be gutted at the least. Businesses cannot stay open late (or at all in some cases) due to lack of employees and customers.

But some say we should all move away and not rebuild here. Well I guess culture means nothing to those people. I am proud to be a resident here. I am proud to live in a city so rich in culture, so unique, so wonderful. Yeah we have our problems, so do many other major metro cities. Should we not have rebuilt San Fransico after its devestating earthquakes, or should we have said well other cities have earthquakes all the time and no one helps them....

Rita was a horrible storm the affected many, and I won't deny that. Don't say that New Orleans is getting a better deal, b/c it's not.

 

[taramarie]

Tammyg & GammaPro & Shadeaux

Another Lake Charles person here!!! Well we moved to Alexandria after the Hurricane but we were there till then.

Just wanted to say hi.

 

[Zurealsoon]

If you live behind a levee, then be prepared to die.

:

This has got to be the most @#$%$$ statement I've ever heard. I guess everyone in South LA should start picking out our caskets??
We have levee's EVERYWHERE...all along the Mississippi...in most towns and countryside of our state.

 

[Zurealsoon]

You need to be totally self sufficient. You should have a 30 day stockpile of nonperishable food, water, medicine, temporary shelter and whatever else you deem to be necessary to your survival.

:

But if you leave your home-if local authorities advise this-how do you haul this 30 days around with you to the shelters...a U-Haul?

 

[Zmsksirt]

I find your statements pretty offensive.

While I agree with your statement on people need to be prepared and there are some techinques that will aid helping prepare your home for a hurricane, you will not stop the wrath of mother nature.

What your saying is that the Gulf and East Coast should be vacated.

We also need to vacate the mid west because of tornados, no one can live in the mountains becuase of a possible avalanche, better not live on a hill because of errosion and a possible mudslide. I am not sure where the US is going to fit everyone.

No, I did not say that. I said that you should not live in a tidal surge zone or a flood zone. Other countries have established tidal surge setback lines that prohibit residential construction seaward of those limits. It's just common sense.

Yes, you can take appropriate steps to help armor your house against many natural disasters, but flooding is not defensible. You must stay clear of flood zones. Many houses have storm shelters (remember the Wizard of Oz?) to help survive tornados. In short, there is plenty of space to build houses in the U.S. in safe areas.

These people lived where generations before them lived. Those levees failed because of humans, not because of the storm.

Indeed, and humans will fail to maintain the levees in the future as well. Do you want to bet your life on those levees? Also, prior generations have made some very poor choices in locations for residential housing and NO is a great example of that point.

This is totally false. The city of Houston has purchased so many homes because of Tropical Storm Allison, it's not even funny. Flood plains change - you can't predict when an area will flood because of new neighborhoods/construction.

Yes, you can predict flood zones. Perhaps the city of Houston is admitting their guilt in not passing or enforcing proper zoning laws to ensure adequate drainage? I really don't know.

Local governments issue permits for new development. As part of the permit process, the developer needs to be held responsible for any increases in flood potential and required to provide proper drainage to control the problem(s). Perhaps Houston has bad zoning laws? Again, I don't know.

Plus that, those in Flood Zone A have to purchase insurance if their homes are mortgaged. They know what they're doing.

No, they don't know what they are doing most of the time. The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA. They are in the hole, big time.

No amout of bracing will stop a tree from falling. Should those be cut down too?

Yes. If those trees pose a potential danger to a house, they should be trimmed back or cut down to eliminate that danger. It's easy to do for most trees. However, big old oak trees do pose a challenge. However, your point is well taken. I too see a lot of very poor (i.e.hazardous) landscaping in residential yards

Wow. I hope that makes you proud.

If you can't have sympathy for those who've lost everything and have no prospect for ever getting it back, then you have my sympathy.

There is NO part of this country that is immune to a natural disaster. You'd better hope that when/if it happens to you, or someone that you care about, that there are people out there who are sympathetic to your situation.

Well, I don't feel proud at all. I feel victimized. I have to pay for the mistakes of people that didn't build their houses properly. Remember the story of the 3 little pigs?

2004 HURRICANE SEASON CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE FLORIDIANS

Consumers will pay to bail out Citizens Insurance Corp. Citizens, the state sponsored insurance carrier, reportedly incurred some $2.4 billion in hurricane claims, which left its treasury $516 million short. This deficit will be paid by an assessment on every other homeowner’s policy sold in the state.

The irony of the assessment is that every policy holder in the state of Florida except policy holders with Citizens Insurance will be assessed to make up for the inadequate rates charged by Citizens.

The assessment is not going to make anyone happy. Those persons who pay the assessment are upset about paying for losses sustained by other insured policies and the persons insured by Citizens are going to be angry with the new rates that have to allow for a similar season.

Citizens’ request came to light just as State Farm, Florida’s largest insurer, asked state regulators for permission to raise homeowner insurance premiums statewide by an average of 8.6 percent. Some counties will exceed the percentage. In Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, both hit hard during last year’s storms, State Farm has asked for rate increases that will amount to as much as 34.5 percent. It’s State Farm’s second rate hike request since December, when the company asked for and received a five percent premiums increase.

Allstate Insurance and Nationwide Insurance also have asked for significant rate increases. The Florida Department of Insurance granted a 21 percent hike for Nationwide and a 26 percent increase for Allstate Floridian.

Even with the increased rates, Allstate, the No. 3 writer of homeowners insurance in Florida has decided to stop writing homeowners policies in the state and has notified the department of insurance that it will not renew 90,000 policy holders (see HP, Summer 2005, page 6).

Nationwide released a report saying that it will no longer sell new policies in Florida as of September 1, and is considering dropping up to 30,000 homeowners statewide.

This revelation follows on the heels of an announcement in which the company indicated it would not write new policies in Florida after September 1. Nationwide becomes the seventh company to announce it is leaving Florida, or not writing new policies in the state since last year’s devastating hurricane season.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Indeed, and humans will fail to maintain the levees in the future as well. Do you want to bet your life on those levees? Also, prior generations have made some very poor choices in locations for residential housing and NO is a great example of that point.

If the levees had been built properly in the first place, they wouldn't have failed. If they're rebuilt properly, they won't fail in the future. That's the government's responsibility, not the resident's. Those people are deperate to get back to their homes/neighborhoods; they more than aware of the consequences.

I personally wouldn't want to put my life in the hand's of the government, but if they choose to move back there, then it's their choice.

Yes, you can predict flood zones. Perhaps the city of Houston is admitting their guilt in not passing or enforcing proper zoning laws to ensure adequate drainage? I really don't know.

Flood plains change due to many factors. You can't predict Mother Nature. All it takes is one massive flood, and what used to be out of the flood zone, can move into it. That's what happened during TS Allison. How can you predict that?

Local governments issue permits for new development. As part of the permit process, the developer needs to be held responsible for any increases in flood potential and required to provide proper drainage to control the problem(s). Perhaps Houston has bad zoning laws? Again, I don't know.

Houston has no zoning laws. During Allison, the natural and man-made bayous overflowed. That was a freak storm that hung over Houston for days and dropped a massive amount of rain. It never happened before and it may never happen again.

No, they don't know what they are doing most of the time. The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA. They are in the hole, big time.

I agree about FEMA. We can thank the higher-up's for the FEMA disgrace. If you ever get the chance, watch the Discovery Channel specials on Katrina. What has happened to FEMA is pathetic on several levels.

Yes. If those trees pose a potential danger to a house, they should be trimmed back or cut down to eliminate that danger. It's easy to do for most trees. However, big old oak trees do pose a challenge. However, your point is well taken. I too see a lot of very poor (i.e.hazardous) landscaping in residential yards

Well, that's a d*mned if you do, d*mned if you don't situation there. We have to have trees.

Well, I don't feel proud at all. I feel victimized. I have to pay for the mistakes of people that didn't build their houses properly. Remember the story of the 3 little pigs?

We're all paying for it, but show a little empathy. Nobody asked for that. My own relatives suffered damage in Rita and you've offended people with your statements. There are a lot of times where I'd like to say whatever I want, but I realize that some things are better left unsaid.

Remember the cliche, "what goes around comes around"?

<snipped insurance info for brevity>

Houstonians have been dealing with this for years already. I sell real estate for a living and getting policies has been difficult for a long time, not due to disasters, but do to mold. We're all paying for it, with loss of coverage and higher rates.

 

[Zurealsoon]

getting policies has been difficult for a long time, not due to disasters, but do to mold. We're all paying for it, with loss of coverage and higher rates.

I do believe this will be another big challenge facing most New Orleanians....getting rid of mold in their homes.

 

[MrsKreamer]

I do believe this will be another big challenge facing most New Orleanians....getting rid of mold in their homes.

That is why this recovery effort so difficult. Water soaked homes festered in 98 degree heat for weeks before people were allowed back long enough to clean. Once mold grows up sheet rock it has to be replaced. That is why most people still cannot return home, or cannot live in their home. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of homes, destroyed by mold.

 

[Zmsksirt]

If the levees had been built properly in the first place, they wouldn't have failed. If they're rebuilt properly, they won't fail in the future. That's the government's responsibility, not the resident's. Those people are deperate to get back to their homes/neighborhoods; they more than aware of the consequences.

No. The levees will not protect against a category 4 or 5 storm even if they are in perfect condition. The water must go somewhere.

I personally wouldn't want to put my life in the hand's of the government, but if they choose to move back there, then it's their choice.

That's the same excuse used by people that live on barrier islands. Sorry, but I don't buy it. If you want to live in a disaster area waiting to happen, then you should be self insured. I don't want to share the risk and pay higher rates when foolish people get flooded. They can be on their own and fend for themselves.

Flood plains change due to many factors. You can't predict Mother Nature. All it takes is one massive flood, and what used to be out of the flood zone, can move into it. That's what happened during TS Allison. How can you predict that?
Houston has no zoning laws. During Allison, the natural and man-made bayous overflowed. That was a freak storm that hung over Houston for days and dropped a massive amount of rain. It never happened before and it may never happen again..

Actually, it did happen during Allison and it could happen again tomorrow. Why take the risk? If you want to smoke cigarettes, go right ahead. If you want to live near a bayou that's fine too. Please don't make me share your risky behavior!

Houstonians have been dealing with this for years already. I sell real estate for a living and getting policies has been difficult for a long time, not due to disasters, but do to mold. We're all paying for it, with loss of coverage and higher rates.

Your bias is showing. Obviously, you make money from selling property in flood zones. I understand your zeal to have people live in unsafe areas. Waterfront property sells for 5 or 6 times the amount of inland property.

 

[drakethib]

No, I did not say that. I said that you should not live in a tidal surge zone or a flood zone. Other countries have established tidal surge setback lines that prohibit residential construction seaward of those limits. It's just common sense.

Yes, you can take appropriate steps to help armor your house against many natural disasters, but flooding is not defensible. You must stay clear of flood zones. Many houses have storm shelters (remember the Wizard of Oz?) to help survive tornados. In short, there is plenty of space to build houses in the U.S. in safe areas.


.

You know, you sure sound like an expert on the topic.

I am just wondering with all of your knowledge why you aren't guiding an organization such as FEMA.

Name one city in the US where a natural disaster can not happen and I will kiss your behind on Mainstreet USA. You will not stop a natural disaster. Period.

No matter how much of a genuis you are, you cannot construct a structure to that cannot be destroyed.

You should show your support by to this cause by boycotting anything that comes from shipments from port cities (such as New Orleans). There are levees near all port cities so people shouldn't live near there. (Man Los Angeles is going to be a pain to vacate).

I guess we will give Texas back to Mexico since no one should live there anymore.

Maybe we can sell the Louisiana Purchase back to France.

Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida should just be barricaded and no one should be allowed there. Someone needs to call Disneyworld and tell them to start closing. To all those with AP’s, sorry no refunds. Disneyland, quit celebrating the anniversary time to close.

Any you know maybe we should try to find one of Christopher Columbus relatives (he was always a trouble maker) let him know that his discovery was a bad one and maybe he should have just taken a plane and landed somewhere else and no on a coast line.

I bet you are thinking how ridiculous these statements are.

Many will say the same about yours.

 

[drakethib]

.....

 

[drakethib]

That is why this recovery effort so difficult. Water soaked homes festered in 98 degree heat for weeks before people were allowed back long enough to clean. Once mold grows up sheet rock it has to be replaced. That is why most people still cannot return home, or cannot live in their home. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of homes, destroyed by mold.

Add to the fact that building materials are not only scarce, but overpriced due to this disaster and the rebuild only takes that much longer.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Your bias is showing. Obviously, you make money from selling property in flood zones. I understand your zeal to have people live in unsafe areas. Waterfront property sells for 5 or 6 times the amount of inland property.

And this is your most ludicrous statement yet! Do you know where Houston is? FYI: We aren't on the coast.

You don't know me; you don't know the type of properties I sell, or where I direct my marketing efforts. Don't patronize me.

You want to act like an adult and carry on an adult conversation, continue, but if these are the kind of statements that you're going to spew out, you won't get any more responses from me.

As a matter of fact, I'm smelling a troll. See ya.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Add to the fact that building materials are not only scarce, but overpriced due to this disaster and the rebuild only takes that much longer.

Build-outs are taking about three months longer here in Houston. You can tell where the efforts are being directed in re-building, from what shortages we're having in new construction.

I hear it'll be insulation and sheetrock next. It was concrete, lumber and roofing materials.

Our prices haven't gone up drastically, but I do see production home builders raising their prices in the MLS more often now.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I do believe this will be another big challenge facing most New Orleanians....getting rid of mold in their homes.

I've seen the pictures of some of the homes in the 9th Ward. The mold is horrible! The bad thing is, it can infest the studs too.

We had it in a bathroom wall, from a water leak and even that small area was a major pain in the rear to clean - I can't imagine having a whole house with it.

 

[MrsKreamer]

I've seen the pictures of some of the homes in the 9th Ward. The mold is horrible! The bad thing is, it can infest the studs too.

We had it in a bathroom wall, from a water leak and even that small area was a major pain in the rear to clean - I can't imagine having a whole house with it.

Homes in the 9th ward, St Bernard, and in Lakeview, where the levees breeched and flooding was 8-12 feet, mold just took over. I doubt if more than 5-10 % can be salvaged at all. I have pictures of my grandparent's home in Lakeview(1 block from the levee breech). Mold is on everything. Not to mention the damage the surge had on the structure itself. They lost everything but their home still stands. It will have to be bulldozed.

Oh and BTW their home was not considered to be in a flood zone. No one thought the levees whould have been under so much pressure.