Originally, I planned to evacuate my condo in Old Metairie(less than 3 miles from New Orleans). I packed my suitcase and I was going to follow my parents to my sister’s house in Florida. I had major difficulties trying to get my cat in her cage. So much so, when my parents arrived, I told them I was going to stay. So, I unpacked my car and prepared myself for the hurricane. I had water, flashlights and some food. I felt safe at the condo because the building is strong and I live on the second floor. Although many people in the building left, there were quite a few that stayed. In addition, I never thought it would be really serious because the news always seemed to exaggerate the weather conditions in the past.\r\n\r\nTo my surprise and relief my parents returned to the condo several hours later. They were frustrated after sitting in traffic for hours. They also believed the building was strong, so they decided to stay with me.\r\n\r\nThe wind was incredibly strong during the hurricane. It was pitch black outside but I could feel the intense strength of the wind. Probably, not the best idea to have my hands pressed up against the glass. As expected, we lost the electricity but I still had phone service.\r\n\r\nThe next morning I was able to survey the nearby destruction. My building suffered relatively little damage. The wooden fence was blown out in spots and only a handful (5) of windows was blown out on my side of the building. The parking lot was flooded but after someone unclogged the drain the water quickly dissipated. The streets were unrecognizable. Leaves and debris covered the streets in a thick layer. Trees and power lines were downed. It was difficult for my father to navigate back to is house which is only five miles away. \r\n\r\nMy father picked me up mid-afternoon to have dinner at his house. My parents have gas so we were able to cook dinner. I told him not to pick me up the next day to try to preserve the gasoline in his car. \r\n\r\nWednesday seemed to be the day all hell broke loose. My brother kept calling me urging me to leave. He said the prisoner’s were revolting and that there were dead bodies floating in the street. So, I packed up my car again and this time I was able to get my cat in her cage. I did not get very far because the flood waters were infringing on my territory. That’s when I started to panic. I could not get in touch with my parents and there was no way I would leave without them. I returned home and I was on the phone with my brother when I heard my mother calling my name from outside. I felt so relieved that they were able to come get me. Finally, we were off to my sister’s house in Florida. I followed behind my parents in my own car which was already packed.\r\n\r\nThe drive out of Metairie was intense. Huge helicopters were unloading people onto the interstate where there were buses lined up. It was a surreal scene. Something right out a war movie. I will never forget that sight. \r\n\r\nIt took us 14 hours to drive to Navarre which is a four and a half hour drive normally. We had to drive way off coarse because the twin span was down and many roads were blocked with trees and power lines.