Our home is on a barrier island on Florida’s east coast (about 20 miles south of Port Canaveral). Our island is under mandatory evacuation. We are staying here, 

but we’ll weather the storm on the mainland in a friend’s commercial warehouse. Currently it is tracking more to the west, and we are very optimistic that things will not be as severe for us as initially forecasted. That being said, our home with it’s concrete walls and massive shutters looks like a fortress and is more structurally prepared than many in Irma’s projected direct path. Please keep praying!

In these crisis situations stocking your emergency supply kit and filling the tub with water are musts. But in the midst of preparing our homes it is very important that we not neglect preparing the hearts and minds of our families. We moved to Florida less than 3 years ago and have gone through this scenario twice in the past 12 months (with Matthew in 2016). Here are a few things I’ve picked up:

1. Tell your husband he’s not alone.                                                                                                                                                                                             Our husbands have an innate sense of obligation to protect the family. This was given to them by our Creator for very good reason, but in these intense times they feel that burden stronger than ever. There was a physical change in Tim when I took his hand and looked in his eyes and assured him he did not have to do any of this alone. Do not forget you are his helper. These are intense times, but pull together as a team and much of that stress will be relieved.
2. Prepare to play!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The kids will notice the stress and the tension. When packing up the necessities don’t forget some games! In the height of the storm (the confusion and the chaos) they are going to need some distraction. In fact, so will we! So long as there is power … when’s the last time you had a family movie night? We are taking this time to introduce our kids to the likes of Lucille ball and Ralph Macchio.
3. Fill your tank.

   

   As soon as you know there is something on the horizon make sure your gas tanks are full every day! It is a stress you just do not need. But as you’re filling your gas tank don’t forget to fill up the tank of your soul. Get into the Word. Cling to the promises in Scripture, and remember God is in control. If you don’t know where to start, crack open the book of Psalms, and just start reading!

4. Think of others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Check on your neighbors. How about your friends? Lend a hand to perfect strangers. These times foster a sense of community like no other, and they give us as Christ followers a time to shine. Even though you yourself will be going through tough times there is always someone in a tougher situation. When we start helping others we gain more peace in our own circumstances.
5. Listen to your mother!                                                                                                                                                                                                          Last night we were 10 minutes from getting in the truck and heading in what had appeared all day to be a safe direction when my mom (who’s in Kentucky) called and said they just showed Irma was tracking more to the west. All indications are we would’ve been in a much worse situation.

We’re expecting Irma here around midnight Sunday. Please keep our state in your prayers.

See also, Hurricane Irma Preparation: People are watching us weather our storm.