Friends, due to the scope and potential severity of Hurricane Matthew we are going to suspend traditional research and discussion threads so that we (specifically me) can focus all attention on any Tree House member who might need assistance in this storm.
Remember, no-one is ever alone.  As Americans, we are always at our best when our nation is in its greatest need.  We are a UNITED states.

The current forecast track puts Matthew hitting the Eastern Florida coast North of Miami and heading north along the entire coast toward Georgia and South Carolina.   Even if the worst elements of the weather impact are only 15-20 miles inland (from the coast), that is an impact zone with more than 10 million people (coastal residents) within it.
Many people might not be aware that elements within the private business community (critical societal needs), and risk management, have been coordinating and planning for decades in the event such a situation might occur (continuously hoping it did not).

It may seem odd to many, but there are people trained and drilled for such an operation where a “megalopolis” [typically a chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas] is simultaneously impacted by a natural disaster, or catastrophe.
In Florida several very important and loyal business interests have invested tens of millions in just-in-case planning.
This level of planning has been going on for decades.  Some examples you might not know.
A private family-owned supermarket chain, Publix Supermarkets Inc, has spent hundreds of millions in stand-alone operational ability.  Meaning, without the electrical grid in place, those stores have massive on site Caterpillar generators which can generate power to keep the critical business of community food supply going in the event of massive and long-term power disruption….. There will always be food.
Additionally, Rick Scott (now Florida Governor), was part of a healthcare industry team who did the same for Hospitals and critical healthcare.  There are hospitals staged throughout the state with the same ability to operate without a power grid….   There will always be critical healthcare.
Each of these examples are private businesses planning, years ago, just-in-case.   Again, this has been going on quietly for decades.   This information is little known, but shared in the hope it can ease some concerns.
Utility companies from all over the lower states (approx 3,000 crews) are already pre-staged North of Florida and there are thousands of truckloads of supplies positioned just outside the projected East Coast impact zone.  These were moved into place days ago, just in case.
The key aspect to remember is you generally need to be self-sufficient for 3 days in the impact zone.  The logistics of moving people and material takes approximately 48 to 72 hours – to get all needed elements into the affected zone post-impact.   During those initial 3 days people need to be able to take care their own critical needs.
Check on family and friends.  Remain confident and calm.  Help others, and always remember you are not alone.

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