As Hurricane Milton approaches many cities were largely deserted but some people decided to shelter in place

Most left when they were told to. But some chose to stay, even though officials warned Hurricane Milton would turn their homes into coffins.

Along Florida’s Gulf coast, where millions of people were urged to get out of harm’s way, cities were largely deserted on Wednesday afternoon as time ran out to evacuate. Those who remained were advised to shelter in place as best they could. Others who fled spoke of their dread at what, if anything, they would return to once the storm had passed.

William Tokajer, police chief of Holmes Beach, told islanders who planned to stay to write their names, dates of birth and social security numbers on their limbs with Sharpies to help identify their bodies after the storm.

  • Annoyed_🦀 @monyet.cc
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    1 month ago

    William Tokajer, police chief of Holmes Beach, told islanders who planned to stay to write their names, dates of birth and social security numbers on their limbs with Sharpies to help identify their bodies after the storm.

    Ooookay, that’s super grim.

    • ladicius@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      1 month ago

      That is one of the most practical suggestions I’ve ever seen.

      They could tape their documents to their bodies, just wrap enough tape around. Sharpie may wash off.

      • unemployedclaquer@sopuli.xyz
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        1 month ago

        Yeah I think that was said for dramatic effect. I hope it worked, because I am not confident in permanent marker on skin submerged lasting very long

        • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          1 month ago

          My cell number stayed on my toddler~runner’s back while she played in the water features in Central Park, but after a soapy tub at the hotel it was pretty faded.

    • Agent641@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      edit-2
      1 month ago

      Tampa mayor on CNN, verbatim: “And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever, if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.”

      Whether she’s personally roaming the zone with an AK-47 to see to it, is not clear.