Kettering family shares experience in Florida amidst Hurricane Helene

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Some families have chosen to stay and weather the storm as Hurricane Helene prepares to hit Florida.

2 NEWS spoke with a Kettering resident of 40 years who has a home in Florida. She says she’s staying put despite the warnings.

The Waizmann family went down to Florida two weeks ago. They say that they are in a zone that is not expected to get the brunt of Helene. While they are still being cautious, the family says they are in good shape to wait out the storm.

Paula Waizmann says she and her husband live in Sarasota, a zone that has not been given the order to evacuate.

“We left Dayton two weeks ago! And we have a dog and a cat, and I am not getting into the car with them again, and I am also not in a flood zone. I have been in one hurricane about six years ago, and the patio umbrella blew over. And that was it,’ said Waizmann.

She says they’re stocked on supplies and have even received packages from concerned friends.

“I have a friend that hilariously sent us MREs the first year we moved here,” said Waizmann.

They stocked up at the right time, as Florida residents have been filling up and emptying out the grocery stores.

“I mean, there is no water on the shelves. And people are crazy. I mean… there was a three-hour line for sandbags. And I get that. But… I got cat litter, I’m good. It’s kind of nuts because people do start hoarding,” said Waizmann

Even if the storm takes out power, she says she has the tools needed to get by.

“I still get airflow. I still have my old windows. So I’ll still get airflow, but I don’t relish the fact I will not get air conditioning,” said Waizmann.

Even with her friends and family back home urging her to return, she is staying in her home away from home in Sarasota.

“Yes, so I’m staying. I’m in. I’ve got clean clothes for seven days. I went through the hurricane preparedness list,” said Waizmann.

Waizmann says that right now in Florida, her neighbors are not sure what they can expect. She will keep a close eye on any updates Helene might bring.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.