As Hurricane Milton threatens to hit Florida, residents like 29-year-old Jasmine Seales are taking precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Seales, a Tampa resident living in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood near the Hillsborough River, finds herself in Evacuation Zone A, prompting her to prepare for the impending storm.
Seales, who recently moved into her current apartment, is no stranger to severe weather but admits that this storm has her more concerned, especially after witnessing the aftermath of previous storms like Helene. She is diligently packing her belongings in plastic bins to prevent flooding and freezing water-filled Ziploc bags to preserve food in case of power outages.
With her duplex located near the river, Seales and her landlord are taking steps to minimize potential damage. They plan to use a large old mattress as a barrier against the sliding glass doors facing the river. Additionally, Seales intends to evacuate inland with her black cat, Spoopy, to a friend's apartment outside the evacuation zones.
As the storm approaches, Seales reflects on the ominous weather outside, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the worst. She notes the collective seriousness with which the community is approaching Hurricane Milton, highlighting the shared concern for safety and property protection.
With the impending impact of Hurricane Milton, residents across Florida are urged to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this challenging time.
