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Denise: When did you first realize that Hurricane Andrew might hit Miami? Florence: On August 24th, I was on my way to my son's house (in Davie), which we thought was out of the range of the Hurricane, when the Red Cross called me to come and go to North Miami Beach Senior High where one of the Red Cross shelters were. And, I stayed three days and three nights. We had quite a crowd. Denise: What precautions did you take? Florence: The only thing I did was put tape on my windows, and took everything off my little porch of course. That's about all I did, and I was ready to go to my son's house. Denise: What did you think it would be like before the storm? Florence: I did not think the storm would be as bad as it was because we haven't had really a storm in so long. But, my son insisted I come over there, so I was getting ready to go. Denise: What was it that made you decide to go to a shelter? Florence: The Red Cross called me. Otherwise I would have gone on to my son's house further north. Denise: Were you forced to evacuate or did you leave by choice? Florence: No, I was not forced to leave. I don't think the police ever came around and told us to evacuate. Denise: How long did you plan on remaining in the shelter? Florence:I thought that whatever they wanted me to do I would do and then go on home. I certainly did not plan on staying three days and three nights. Denise: Did you bring anything with you? Florence: No, all I had was my pocketbook, and it didn't have any clothes in it. Denise: To which shelter did you evacuate? Florence: North Miami Beach Senior High School Denise: Describe the shelter. Florence: The only place I was was in the bottom part, and I didn't hear a thing. You couldn't hear the wind rolling or anything. There were no windows down where we were and, again, I didn't hear a thing. Of course, we were busy too. Denise: Were there many people there? If so, was it too crowded? Florence: Well, anyone who wanted to come just came in, and then they started bringing in people from the old-age and sick homes. It was crowded, but I don't think too crowded. Denise: Were people able to leave after the storm had passed, or did everyone have to stay as long as you did? Florence:No, some people left after the first day and some even went to another shelter. Denise: Did some people stay even longer than you? Florence: I'm sure that the shelter was open longer than the three days for those who wanted to stay. Denise: What was your job/role at the shelter? Florence: Signing everybody in. Other volunteers told people where to sit and where to put their things and other things like that. There were also volunteers helping in the cafeteria with the food and stuff. Denise:What were the people like? Was everyone friendly? Florence:People were very nice. You should see the nurses that came to the shelter to stay and wanted to do things too. The same with police also. Everybody was just wonderful and everybody tried their best, including me. Denise: What was the general emotion of all people? Florence:Everybody was nervous, very nervous. Denise: What about the volunteers and staff? Were they friendly and consoling or more harsh and rude? Florence: Definitely friendly and consoling. Denise: Were all people, both kids and adults, kept entertained and/or informed? Florence: I honestly could not tell you. The one time I got into the lobby was one time when somebody called for somebody and they sounded so distressed that I ran into the lobby to find that person. It was the hardest thing to find anybody! Denise: So, you had no idea as to what was happening or had happened? Florence: Nope, for three days I had absolutely no clue. Denise: Did the shelter have electricity, both during and after the storm? Florence: Yes, of course, they had a generator. Denise: So, there was air conditioning, and everyone was kept comfortable? Florence:Yes, everybody was comfortable. Denise: Tell me about the sleeping arrangements. Were they okay, or did most people sleep on a cold, hard floor? Florence: People slept on the floor, but exercise mats were provided for them to sleep on. I was given a little cot, which was right by my post at the sign-in desk. Denise: Were blankets and pillows provided? Florence: Yes, oh yes. Denise: What about food? Where was it prepared and who prepared it? Was there enough of it to go around? Florence: Everything was arranged in the cafeteria. There was plenty of food and, yes, everyone got enough. Denise: What was served? Florence: I think it was hamburgers and stuff like that. Denise: Was there enough to drink, and was water provided considering it was in demand? Florence: Yes, there was plenty to drink, even water. Denise: What were your main concerns or thoughts during the hurricane? Florence: I was wondering if my house and everything was alright, and everything was. But, yes, I was worried. Denise: What seemed to be the general concern of the people around you? Florence: I'm sure that most everyone else had the same concerns as me Denise: How long were you forced to remain in the shelter once Hurricane Andrew had passed? Florence: Three days and three nights. Denise: Once you had learned that it was over, what was the first thing that you thought about? Florence: I was hoping everybody was alright. Denise: What was the first thing you did once you had returned home? Florence: I called to see how everybody was. You should have seen me on the phone calling! Denise: What was the first thing that you saw when you left the shelter on that third day? Florence: When I finally came out, my car was right next to two cars that had a nice big tree on top of them. Denise: Do you still continue to volunteer your support/aid? If so, what do you do? Florence:I go to Red Cross Disaster classes, and whatever I can do I want to do. I want to help. Denise: Did you receive any help after the hurricane? Florence: No. Thank goodness, I didn't need it. Denise: What kind of effect has Hurricane Andrew had on your present daily life? Florence: I feel sorry for everybody that's been hurt, and there are so many. Denise: Has the hurricane significantly changed your plans for the future? If yes, how? A: I will definitely go to a shelter next time, and I think that everybody else should. It was safe in there. Everybody felt safe. I'm telling you, I didn't hear the wind. I didn't hear anything falling or anything. Denise: Is there anything else you would like to say that I haven't already asked you? Florence: I just hope we don't have another hurricane, and that the weatherman is terribly wrong in predicting three for 1993.
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