Family Evacuates to Canton Amidst Hurricane Milton, Reflects on Safety and Community Support

Canton, Michigan: A Family’s Experience with Hurricane Milton

In a tale that many can relate to, a Westland native who now calls Florida home recently faced the tough decision of what to do when Hurricane Milton made its approach. Anthony Bojanowski and his family, including his wife and three young children, opted to evacuate and ride out the storm at his grandmother’s house in Canton. This wasn’t their first experience with hurricanes, and they didn’t want to take any chances this time around.

Lessons Learned from Past Storms

Reflecting on their decision, Anthony shared, “We’r e familiar with how dangerous hurricanes can be after experiencing Hurricane Ian. That storm was only a category 2, but it caused significant damage around us.” His past experiences have taught him that safety should always come first. So, when Hurricane Milton was forecasted to hit, the family left on Monday, October 7, not knowing when they would be able to return home.

The Bojanowski family packed their bags with care, asking themselves what items they couldn’t live without. “We ultimately settled on let’s just pack for five days because we can wash clothes up here,” he explained. The thought of uncertain circumstances pushed them to prepare, even if they hoped it wouldn’t all be needed.

Keeping an Eye on Home

Despite being away from their Central Florida home, Anthony kept a virtual watch over his property thanks to technology. He had a doorbell camera set up that allowed him to monitor things in real time during the storm. This gave him some peace of mind while anxiously awaiting news about the impact of Hurricane Milton. “It was nice to be able to see the house, that way I didn’t feel completely detached,” he said, expressing how modern technology can bridge the gap during such stressful times.

The Power of Community

While riding out the storm in Canton, Anthony had the added comfort of knowing that his neighbors back in Florida were looking out for his home, a true testament to community spirit. On Thursday, after the worst of the hurricane had passed, his neighbors checked on the house and reported back with good news: there was no damage inside or out. This news undoubtedly brought a sigh of relief to the Bojanowski family.

Looking Ahead

As the wind calmed and the threat of the storm diminished, the Bojanowskis made plans to return home on the following Sunday. With their family safe and their belongings intact, they could look forward to getting back to their normal lives. “It’s a little surreal knowing that we have to return home after this, but we’re grateful it wasn’t worse,” Anthony added, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster they endured.

Final Thoughts

In a world where extreme weather events seem to be becoming more common, stories like Anthony’s serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and the robust support that can come from family and friends. As they head back to sunny Florida, the Bojanowski family will carry with them not just memories of a hurricane but also a renewed sense of gratitude for their loved ones and their community.

Hurricanes may shake our homes, but they also remind us of the strength we find in togetherness—and that’s a beautiful lesson to carry forward.