Hurricane Milton: Floridians resort to digging trenches and using mulch as sand runs out

Desperate are attempting to protect their homes from the storm surge threatened by the with bags of mulch, as stores ran out of sand.

Millions of people have chosen to abandon their houses ahead of Milton’s arrival and take refuge elsewhere. But some have opted to batten down and see out the worst of the storm, which is threatening a 15ft surge. To protect against the sheer amount of water, many people have dug trenches around their homes. Many went to stores to buy sand to put outside their doors, only to find they have sold out.

As a result they have filled bags with mulch to do the job. Landscaper Jeremy Traxler, 40, said: “I couldn’t find any sandbags so I had to go to an Ace Hardware and buy mulch because that’s the safest thing,” he says. I also had to dig two trenches at my apartment complex to avoid the water coming into my sliding glass doors.”

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Paul Simpson, 65, said his family are ready for the hurricane - but could still flee if the conditions worsen. He said: “We have supplies, food, water, batteries, lanterns, and a solar generator. All power lines are underground, and we’ve only lost power one time for about 15 seconds the last two or three storms.

“We have removed all debris, loose yard items and furniture from around the house. We also have an RV in the driveway, with a generator, in case we need additional resources, living accommodations, or need to leave.”

Others say they are using the experiences from previous storms as a warning this time around. Tyrone Landers, 32, from Fort Myers Beach, said: “Helene was my warning. I stayed when I shouldn’t have. It wasn’t until my camper was almost underwater I realised my mistake, and that it was too late. There’s no reason to stay. If you choose not to evacuate, you are tempting fate in a very dangerous way. Learn from me, almost losing it all. It’s not worth it.

“Even if it seems impossible to leave, I promise you it can be done. Ask for help. You may receive it. Don’t worry about your stuff. It can all be replaced. Almost anything can be. Except for you. There’s no weakness in getting help. Asking for help takes strength. Make the choice to live. That is true bravery. Dying is easy. Living is harder.”