Video of Hurricane Ian Preparation in Luxury Home Sparks Debate

A woman sharing how her family has prepared their luxury home in Naples, Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian has sparked debate online.

With over 2 million views, the video shared by Amanda Ivanelli—aivanelli on TikTok—asks viewers whether they think the family should stay or go as the hurricane nears their Florida home.

Hurricane Ian looks set to become one of the worst Florida has ever seen, with storm experts eyeing the hurricane since it was first categorized as a tropical depression in the Caribbean on Friday.

Forecast to hit Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm meaning that "catastrophic damage will occur," it has been estimated that wind speeds will exceed 130 miles per hour.

Hurricane Ian & luxury home
In the main image, people look at dark clouds from the approaching Hurricane Ian in St. Petersburg, Florida on Tuesday. Inset, a picture of a luxury home interior. The internet has been left divided after... Joe Raedle/Martin Barraud/Getty Images

With millions of Floridians under mandatory evacuation orders, Naples is one of the areas of the state expected to be affected by the hurricane. Ivanelli took to social media to share her home preparations before its arrival and but has been accused by viewers of using the situation as an excuse to show off her home.

In the video, Ivanelli shares the interior and exterior of her home and explains that her family has: "​​Put away all objects that can fly away."

The video continues, explaining: "Hurricane shutters will come down and protect this area. Our home is close to the beach but pretty elevated."

The video then shows a well-disguised whole home generator in the garden before footage heads back indoors and viewers see an in-built fireman's pole, "in case we flood," writes the homeowner.

At the end of the fire pole is a fully stocked drinks fridge, and she explains that the family had filled their bathtubs with water as she shows off immaculate bathrooms.

"If we run out of water," says the TikToker in a clip walking through the home: "We resort to wine," and the video pans to show viewers a fully stocked wine cellar.

The video finishes by asking viewers: "What would you do? Stay or go?"

TikTok users are divided about the footage, with some accusing the woman of using the hurricane as an excuse to show off her home online.

"This video is just one huge flex," says one comment, "And a reminder that I'm broke as a joke."

Another viewer asks: "Are we showing prep or flexing?"

But others sided with the pregnant mom and shared their good wishes for her and her home.

"Wow. Beautiful home," said one viewer of the viral video. "Be safe. Beautiful home."

As the hurricane continues to advance closer to land, the Red Cross has issued advice for residents to ensure they are prepared for the potential impact.

"Our teams are coordinating with partners, reviewing our response plans, mobilizing volunteers, and preparing supplies, to be ready to provide aid, as needed," said Josett Valdez, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross, South Florida Region. "And we urge our neighbors to monitor the storm closely and take the time to prepare."

The Red Cross has offered advice on how to prepare for the hurricane. This includes creating an evacuation plan with a particular focus on what to do in the event of being separated from your family.

Residents are also advised to prepare an emergency kit including a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kid, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

The Red Cross urges residents to stay informed on the latest updates and official announcements.

Newsweek has reached out to Amanda Ivanelli for comment.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more

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