Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall, Floridians are preparing for Hurricane Milton, which has the potential to be even more devastating. For the past several days, millions have left their homes in the hopes of making it to safety and out of Hurricane Milton’s path. But simply picking up your life and walking away isn’t feasible for every family. What do you do if you can’t leave? That’s what Amanda Moss wants to know.
Moss, who posts on TikTok as @mamamossof6, shared an emotional video about her family that quickly went viral. They live in the southwest part of the state and cannot afford to evacuate. Her tearful rant struck a chord with many mothers who empathized with wanting to do the best for their kids while stuck in a difficult and possibly dangerous situation. Others criticized her for not getting out, but Moss quickly clapped back and let the world know exactly how she feels.
More from CafeMom: Dad Treks 30 Miles Through Storm Wreckage on Foot To Walk His Daughter Down the Aisle
This isn't the family's first hurricane season.
Moss regularly posts on social media about her life as a mom of six. She has three biological children and adopted three others. They’ve lived in Florida for 30 years and have experienced many hurricanes. Moss quickly pointed out that many people have advice for her about what to do, but it’s simply not feasible.
“If I could get out, I would. But where are we going? Everything is booked, and there’s nowhere. Unless you’re hopping on a plane and evacuating your family, where’s everybody going?” Moss asked rhetorically in the video.
Moss has a big family.
In her video, she explained that she has six children, three adults, and four dogs to look out for. Moss said hotels and shelters won’t take her, so she’s doing her best.
“I’d have to book an Airbnb or something. Because I can’t afford to do that, we just have to hunker down. That’s literally all I can do.”
She began to cry and said her family was sitting ducks and that she had 10 “ducklings” to care for. Moss asked through tears, “Where am I supposed to go?”
Her plea broke many hearts.
Millions watched her videos and many people understood the mother’s plight.
“THIS. People wonder why people don’t evacuate. S— costs MONEY,” someone wrote. “People can’t afford it! Especially with kids. Everything’s full, roads are full. it’s just horrible. Prayers.”
A fellow Floridian agreed, writing, “The people of Florida are screwed. We are literally stuck. The places we normally evacuate to are full and the roads are already packed. We risk getting stuck on the road trying to leave.”
Others argued Moss wasn't doing enough.
Some thought she should throw caution to the wind and leave.
Like this person, who commented, “Just get in your car and drive north until you can find a hotel, even if you drive 8 hours. It’ll suck, but you’ll be alive and safe.”
And this commenter: “That’s not true I’d drive anywhere and sleep in my car with my pets and kids just to get out , u dont risk anything when it’s come to ur safety and life. Like r people serious? There’s always a way.”
More from CafeMom: Tampa Mayor’s Scary Hurricane Warning: ‘If You Choose to Stay … You Are Going to Die
Moss clapped back.
The mom of six posted an update on October 9, assuring people that she and her family will be safe. She said her “rhetorical mom rant” got blown out of proportion and people “bashed” her for no reason. In the days since her viral video, Moss has secured a safe place for her family to go inland. To the haters who just wanted to judge her, Moss had a message.
“I am so glad I have a community that actually knows who I am as a person, and thank you to anyone new who is trying to understand who I am as a person,” she wrote in her update. “But maybe instead of spending your time today leaving nasty comments on my page, watch some of our videos. Get to know our family. Maybe you’ll understand the struggles of living in Florida.”
