“It’s not close to being over, but Harvey has been a learning
experience for me. Jenice and I built this house the summer of 1980. I
was 27 years old and wise beyond my years, or just really lucky. I was
born on this flat land and knew even then that water runs downhill. We
were one of the first homes built in our 110-house subdivision. I argued
with my builder about the height of my slab. I got it 12 inches higher
than he had planned, and subsequently the homes built around me were built to the same elevation.
“Sunday morning we received 14.5 inches of rain in less than three
hours. At 6:30 a.m. the water was within ONE inch of coming in the back
of the house. That was the high point for Harvey and the low point for
me. At 28 feet of elevation I never fear storm surge. But we have
received 29 inches of rain (as of Monday morning) since this started,
and even with that we have drained it all away.
“But I have seen
the light. I made a promise to Jenice and the Lord that next week,
after there is no longer a named storm, we will buy flood insurance.
Some may think I’m foolish for having gone all these years without it.
But I have that affliction many have accused me of having. Sometimes I
think I’m smarter than I actually am.
“As I watch TV coverage of
people being rescued in all kinds of boats by all kinds of kind people, I
feel truly blessed. I need to better appreciate that every day. May the
Lord bless you and keep you safe as he has me for more than 64 years.”
— Don Coffey
Hurricane Harvey is having a major impact on the lives of people in
Baytown and surrounding communities. If you would like to share your
thoughts on this historic weather event, send us a message on our
Facebook or Instagram pages or email baytownproject@gmail.com.
I am with the judge on this one. We did not come close to being flooded, but after this, I am buying flood insurance.
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