Florence, S.C. — Local Family Escapes Florida Ahead of Hurricane Milton
This week, a family from North Port, Florida made a swift decision to evacuate their home as Hurricane Milton approached the coast, and their inspiring story of resilience is one for the books!
Laurie and Karl Fredrick, feeling the weight of past hurricanes on their shoulders, left late Monday night, hoping to avoid any potential danger and the chaotic traffic that often accompanies hurricane evacuations. Their previous experiences left a mark, and this time, they were determined to keep their family safe.
Facing the Storm
Upon hearing about the imminent threats posed by Hurricane Milton, they quickly set off for Savannah, Georgia, where Laurie’s sister lives. “We just couldn’t risk it,” said Laurie, reflecting on the scene back home. She described the devastation caused by Milton as “heartbreaking,” particularly when hearing about friends who suffered significant loss.
One of those friends lost their entire roof, which had to be cleared from the road by heavy-duty equipment—a sight all too familiar for the Fredricks, who witnessed similar devastation brought on by previous storms, especially Hurricane Helene.
“There were dressers and mattresses and all kinds of stuff along the curb, and trees and tree limbs and everything from Hurricane Helene,” Karl recalled, echoing the challenges faced during that tumultuous time. “We didn’t want to go back to it if we didn’t have to. We’ve had enough.”
A Silver Lining
Despite the overwhelming worry about their home and friends back in Florida, the Fredricks are holding onto optimism. They’ve learned that sometimes, in the midst of chaos, it’s the small things that matter the most.
“Just important papers, very important papers. My jewelry, our wedding album, things that can’t be replaced,” Laurie explained as she went through the list of precious items they’d taken with them. It’s always a challenge to think ahead in such situations, but they made sure to keep things from their home safe and sound.
“We’ll take it back in a couple of weeks. Traveled back and forth to give it a little tour around the country,” Laurie chuckled lightly. She added, “I just want to thank the good Lord for keeping us… we were very, very lucky this time.”
Plans Ahead
As of now, the couple plans to stay in Savannah until the end of October before making their way back home to Florida. With the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, they are wisely choosing to play it safe, and many can relate to the anxiety these storms bring to coastal residents.
Whether it be packing up and leaving or facing the aftermath of a hurricane, the Fredricks’ dedication to family shines through bright. Their story serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of preparation and cherishing the irreplaceable things in life, especially during challenging times.
As we all keep our fingers crossed for everyone affected by Hurricane Milton, let’s take a page from the Fredricks’ book and remember that resilience and hope can shine even in the darkest of storms.
