Originally posted by Toad 
There's a big difference betwee "one the beach" and "within 5 miles of the coast". Heck, even 2 miles from the coast. Gulfport being the primary example right now. 
Beach: trashed  2 miles inland: Houses quite livable. 
Not entirly true, I have seen up to 30 miles inland get TRASHED. That was a particular storm UR speaking of .. You cant predict the damage cant even perdict the path so dont assume UR safe being 5 ,10 or even 20 miles inland .. Look at the size of the storm then not only spawn tornados but some are like A huge sustained tornado with 150 mph winds moving 10- 15 mph 
     I have been through ever hurrican to hit FL since i was a kid during andrew  Was always near the beach but was never ''dumb '' enough to sit around and wait for it to hit us ''drunk bastards in N Orleans sitting in the bar waiting for the storm'' 
     Every time I hear about another storm im not suprised .SOS throw the Hurrican shutters on stock up on canned goods and freeze a bunch of water in my IND. freezer  and ride it out .  Most would assume 2 weks W/O power would be bad ..Yes for those  poor generatorless people .Recently invested in a BADAZZ generator ,Had to pour a 3x4x1 foot slab and bolt it down ,Build a nice wooden cover for rain/wind/weather . make a hole in the front for A PTO shaft on my Kubota tractor  back her up rev the engine up to RPM setting (not sure off the top)  flip the switch and TA-DA . Full power  central AC ,Fridge,T.V,Lights ,Stove,Washer/Dryer ,HELL even AH =) ITS WORTH IT. 
down in FL after the hurricanes are down we have CANE PARTYS!!!!!