Fort Myers Beach man survives Hurricane Ian by hiding in refrigerator

[@VogonPoet67]

He probably watched Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and decided that if you can survive a nuclear blast by hiding in a fridge you can probably survive a major hurricane by hiding in a fridge.

[@sapphirelane1714]

Or maybe he watched the LEGO Movie. They used a fridge as a raft when their submarine blew up.😅

[@leaveittostever]

@@bobsmith8050 this guy opened the door. And Indy was just in it for a nuclear hot minute. Like, the *hottest* minute haha.

[@randomclod385]

Heck fallout 4 had a ghoul in a fridge for like 100 yrs.

[@johnnymcblaze]

@@sapphirelane1714 Does he look five? He's never seen the Lego movie.

[@harryfp1494]

Agreed

[@chryst1548]

If there's one thing any good cook learns, it's how to think fast & adapt during stressful situations. So happy he made it through.

[@FMFvideos]

Sometimes you need to think like food that wants to be preserved.

[@quanquan3596]

Bruh this dude is lying

[@Константин-ш3к]

@@quanquan3596 Bruh dude he isnt bruh

[@Godsburninggarden]

@@Константин-ш3к yes he is 💀💀he did this for publicity

[@noemiburns6470]

That survival instinct kicked in & he’s so humble he could even joke about it. We need more of this guy in the world ❤

[@frey8725]

Survival instinct would have him evacuating to a shelter.

[@noemiburns6470]

@@frey8725 isn’t it so wonderful that he survived!! At the end of the interview he stated that he should have left. Either way, his good spirit is an inspiration😇

[@marknordin9526]

The Lord Jesus has a plan for him, gave him a second chance, it's up to him what he does with it

[@MeowMeow-ul4su]

We need more "florida man" like we need a giant hole in the earth.

[@frey8725]

@@MeowMeow-ul4su I agree. Other states should stop sending their rejects here to do stupid stuff and give us a bad name.

[@vibinwiththeguzmans5828]

As a Floridian, I keep a hammer with me in my Hurricane preparedness bag. In case I need to break through something. Glad this guy’s ok.

[@kennyc587]

there are hammers that are axe one side and hammer the other, something to consider if you plan on upgrading

[@vibinwiththeguzmans5828]

@@kennyc587 thank you Kenny! I didn’t know that. Off to Home Depot! 🪓 😂

[@gb8518]

Thanks Good idea I use one in the car just in case need to broken glass to go our in a canal lake.

[@robsimpson6537]

I see a brand new refrigerator donated by a major appliance distributor in his future. Maybe a commercial or two as well.

[@gb8518]

His spirit is incredible He really loves the sanctuary Ft Myers with all his heart ❤

[@judgeholden849]

Ffs ft. myers was *never* and is not a "sanctuary" KMSL Far from it. It is a tragedy what happened to the barrier islands, and tragic that so many innocent people are suffering loss and pain. *but a "sanctuary" give me a f***ing break* you're obviously not from Fl and obviously don't know the first thing about ft. Myers. Jesus christ almighty people like you make me sick

[@ziziscorsese9475]

The poor man must have been completely stressed.

[@frey8725]

He wouldn't have been quite so stressed if he went to a shelter instead of the fridge.

[@gr8dvd]

Purportedly not… he trashed all the fridge food but drank several 6-packs of beer 😀

[@ginagina5452]

Incredible story, I'm glad he's ok. He's gonna have some fishing stories for real.

[@duskmoon181]

This dude literally Indiana Jones’d his way through the storm. Much respect Florida Man 👌

[@deeb3077]

Fought for his life. 🤗 true life survival story. So glad he made it. 💜💕

[@BMarie774]

1:46 we are in Cape Coral. We had at LEAST an 8 foot storm surge in our canal. It climbed over the sea wall, then over our neighbors fence, and up to our lanai screens into some peoples houses. I’m the front, it was a river down our road. Mailboxes were covered by water. Cars floating away. I’ve never seen water cover cars like that. I remember thinking “the water has to stop”. I just knew, if it breached the top of our hill it’d level out and we’d be getting water. Thankfully as I stared at where my neighbors mailbox was (ours had already floated away) I started to see glimpses of it peak through the water. Then I could see it all the time and knew the water was going down. Somehow by the next morning all the water was gone. It was insane.

[@trd830]

God is not done with his life. amazing story 👍

[@truthserum5310]

But apparently your "God" WAS done with the lives of the other 100+ innocent people that perished. Makes perfect sense. 🙄

[@marknordin9526]

Amen I learned to give glory to Jesus when He brought me thru life death situations, all whose name is written in the book of life are in His hands

[@trd830]

@@marknordin9526 praise the Lord

[@truthserum5310]

@@trd830 Drink that Jim Jones Kool-Aid.

[@pullingthestrings5233]

Unfortunately he just had a heart attack

[@HEReIAM829]

What an amazing testimony and smart way to think to shelter your self. Glory to God. Restore to those who have lost in Jesus name

[@konapuppy10]

In Jesus name, Amen

[@sharonward5637]

Amen☁️🎺👼💒🙏🌹

[@frey8725]

A smarter way to shelter himself would have been to go to an actual shelter.

[@HEReIAM829]

@@frey8725 hey, Frey. He probably didn't think it would be as bad as it was. 🙏I didn't either. Thank God I had no flooding tho. I'm just grateful to be alive😊🙏♥️

[@frey8725]

@@HEReIAM829 I don't see how he couldn't think it would be terrible. We were told as early as Sunday that the coast was getting massive storm surge and they kept explaining how dangerous it was every day leading up to it to try and make us aware. Then, we got evacuation orders Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, it was clear that it was inching closer and closer with each update plus, we knew it would be a cat 4 when it was off the coast. That's just the eye. We knew how big that eye wall was the whole time. I really don't see how he could think it wasn't going to be that bad.

[@jeffjr84]

I like his response to staying during the next storm lol.. Everyone in Florida has to learn that lesson, its it's over cat 3 you need to leave until its over and hope your stuff is ok.. i know it sucks but i lived in fla for years that's how we did it..

[@abryant8287]

It depends on what kind of material the house is made of. I been through a 4. It's bad. I was in a concrete building that was raised several feet from the ground. A cat 5 is when I would leave, regardless, which this one pretty much was.

[@Leo-zk9rd]

nobody left because Ian strengthened from a cat 1 to a cat 4 overnight

[@carzia_speed2235]

@@Leo-zk9rd People still left even at cat 1. Some actually predicted this would happen. You gotta think, if you live near a beach do you really think it’s gonna be okay to stay with a hurricane coming close to it or even near it.

[@Blane_be_fishin]

@@Leo-zk9rd no it didn’t. It was a Cat 3 when it went over Cuba and stayed a cat 3 until it strengthened to a cat 4 the night before it hit. Most models had it becoming a cat 4. That was no surprise.

[@JamesIsShort]

His Florida Man instinct really kicked in there, ensuring a good, entertaining news headline above all else.

[@lovewins6041]

What an amazing story but he's not going to ride out another storm ever in life and I certainly can't blame him

[@Banks040]

Dang fridge saved his life .. And he’s a chef 😂 I’m sorry I had to giggle at that part

[@christophermccurdy6901]

God Bless Florida Man!

[@kotexconnection3804]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@frey8725]

So, when it comes down to the safety of a hurricane shelter or a fridge, he chose the fridge. At least, he learned from this. The shelter is better.

[@mariatorres9789]

The only people staying behind are the looters.

[@vango7499]

Air mattresses, inflated before storn for children and elderly, cats dogs in carriers on top of air mattresses, pool flotation devices, pool floaties, pool noodles and life jackets for all people an pets too.

[@glorypraize]

I saw someone use a big rectangle blue blow up swimming pool inside their house on a video.

[@janetg112]

God Bless you 🙏 I'm glad you survived!!!!

[@kotexconnection3804]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sonyag1]

If you get inside of a refrigerator and close the door, you will suffocate. This guy should thank god the water didn't rise any further

[@miker2859]

Incorrect. if water is getting in, so is air.

[@OldJoeBlows]

That is going to one hell of a story around the table. I hope he has grandkids to share it with some day. 🎉

[@frey8725]

Yeah. "I remember back in '22 when I had three days notice of a flood, then ignored an evacuation order and had to use a floating fridge to stay alive". Great story.

[@vromano9543]

Survivor: "I ain't staying here" (when next storm comes) Reporter: "No way!?" Survivor: "FUCK NO" lmaooooo

[@michaellong1960]

Florida man having his Indiana Jones moment

[@zzzarkka]

George!!!! I worked with this man at Fresh Catch for 3 years. Holy shit

[@oldmech619]

That man needs to do a prepping PSA for next hurricane.

[@frey8725]

It should start with, "Don't ignore a forecast track and evacuate when told to do so".

[@machiavelli4462]

@@frey8725 easy on paper. Where are these people supposed to go? You know it’s not that easy. When you reply with all the places they could go I’m going to say well would if they don’t have this or that!! So don’t bother.

[@frey8725]

@@machiavelli4462 I live about 30 minutes from this guy. We had 3-4 days of warning and an evacuation alert more than 24 hours ahead of time. Most likely, he has a car. If not, buses ran for free starting on Monday and they ran until 7pm Tuesday night. He lives on the beach and it's expensive to live there. He has money. 3-4 days before the storm hit, hotels weren't full. Shelters opened before the alerts on Tuesday and they are everywhere. He has the means to leave, the time to do it and plenty of places to go. Stop making excuses for these people.

[@shatteredteeth]

wait I’m confused can someone tell me how hiding in a fridge saved his life? especially if he’s saying water was getting into the fridge up to his neck, then what was the point of staying in it? is he implying the hurricane would have swept him away or something, if not for the fridge?

[@michellelee487]

It sounds like he used the fridge has a floating device.

[@dustyclery8791]

Yea about that........I

[@skye7518]

I'm not completely sure but I think there was an air pocket in the fridge? Basically a small gap of air where he could breathe. It's like when you hold a cup upside down in water and there is still air inside. There was enough air in the fridge so he could breathe otherwise he would have drowned in the water without the fridge. There have been rare cases where ships have flipped upside down and sunk almost completely under water yet there are small air pockets in parts of the ship that people have used to survived.

[@rdean150]

@@skye7518 But there's no way to hold the door shut from the inside. So unless the fridge was face down (which would be horrifying), wouldn't such an air bubble just pop the door open? But my biggest question here is - do refrigerators FLOAT? Like, is the big metal compressor attached to it not heavy enough to keep it submerged?

[@skye7518]

@@rdean150 I also wonder how the door didn't open. Maybe the seal was super strong. I was trying to picture the scenario but I couldn't figure it out because his description was a little confusing.

[@TheresaW1264]

So glad this man survived to tell us his story! God bless and keep him well!

[@jkishhabi]

His refrigerator saved him, while mine is slowly killing me, 😆 🤣

[@jaridkeen123]

Man: "I know next time a storms brewing, i aint staying here" Reporter: "No?" Man: "Fuck No!"

[@TehSaviorRemixer]

K

[@markgolden6265]

You have to get out when they tell you to evacuate. Great story, happy he lived to tell the story. Of why you had better leave when told!

[@LilyWillow22]

I’m just going to leave this here for all those who remark: Why didn’t they ALL “just” evacuate? Population: Ft Meyers: 92,245 Arcadia: 7,527 Sanibel: 6,364 Naples: 19,031 Estero: 33,450. Punta : 1,594. Port Charlotte: 61,871 Cape Coral: 204,510 North Port: 80,021 Southport: 9,775 Pine Island: 62 Venice: 26,407 Brownville 16,837 St James City 3,894

[@markgolden6265]

@@LilyWillow22 Why do you think they say leave? If your choices are to live in Florida or the gulf coast. It's in your best interest to have a plan of evacuation. Regardless if you want to believe it or not. The threat of it occurrinring is very real. And sooner or later its going to happen.

[@LilyWillow22]

@@markgolden6265 The point I was making is there is no way in hell all of those people affected by the storm could have evacuated in 24 hours or even a week

[@markgolden6265]

@@LilyWillow22 It was going on for weeks. That it was going come. Who knew where it would turn. To me the Floridians think they can ride out storms. Climate change is real. It’s never going to be riding out the storms anymore. Katrina was the game changer. The sad part is the fact of it going to occur again. And worse. Real decision are going to have to be made. It’s the sad and unfortunate truth.

[@kimberlywelch7862]

@@LilyWillow22 people who’ve never been through it don’t understand that’s it’s not as simple as just grabbing a few things and leaving. Mostly, it depends on the path of the storm as to where you could evacuate to. In the case of recent storms like Irma and Ian, nearly the whole state was affected. A lot of places inland had massive flooding as well. Hotels fill up quickly. Gas stations run out of gas. The highways are gridlocked and barely moving. If you don’t have a reliable vehicle you risk breaking down (speaking from a personal view.) Not all shelters take pets. Not all friends and families homes are hurricane safe due to tall trees and/or flood prone areas. I stayed in my beachside home in Daytona during Ian and had minimal damage. My landlady’s other rental house 2 miles inland had 2 ft of water inside of it.

[@follysurfangel99Jess]

Just an awesome story he survived 👏🏻

[@janethagen3385]

God bless this man! Amen, it was God!

[@wjatube]

That's a wonderful lesson that getting inside a refrigerator saves lives NBC2.

[@jeanash9502]

A guardian angel 😇 no less evacuate next time guaranteed there will be more god help us all

[@gwendolyn7462]

what a beautiful story. SO the neighbors upstairs had already EVACUATED, I assume

[@45035]

Outstanding shipmate. Press on. USS Kitty Hawk CV-63. Jan 1980 to July 1983.

[@shutdownlasemedinc]

My God , He looked down on you and saved you . Praise God

[@theterminaldave]

So uh, God decided this dude was cool, but thought about the other 120 people "Nah..." Comments like this is why people are leaving religion in droves.

[@julialaw6471]

Necessity is the mother of invention!

[@librarynan4610]

I want to know what brand of refrigerator that was!

[@robsimpson6537]

Yep 😂 you may see him doing commercials for them too.

[@librarynan4610]

@@robsimpson6537 hahaha! That would be great.

[@devorahstree671]

I bet you it was a Kenmore, and if it was it's probably the only thing still working!

[@HiThisIsMine]

This story is absolutely flawed. The fridge positively did NOT save him, instead it could have killed him by drowning him or carrying him out to sea. The water leaking inside means there was no negative pressure inside the compartment, he even said he had to shut the door again a few times from inside. No way he could keep it sealed. These things are not air tight let alone water tight. The only reason it was bobbing around is because the walls are made of foam insulation. Inside the house, it would have been stuck under water if the water continued to rise. Unless your intention is to use it as a boat, NEVER, EVER, do what this man did and get into a fridge in a flood.

[@Steven_Williams_]

This is a parallel universe where Jon Stewart never goes into comedy, but moves to southern Florida and gets inside a fridge during a hurricane.

[@jvon3885]

The fact that news stations have to say that the man's telling his story "only" on their channel really shows their narcissism/vanity.

[@maxitupacademy]

wow, this was a great story. I am happy for George.

[@sandhanitizer15]

I wouldn't expect anything less from Florida man.

[@JerubbaalgodSlayer]

Are you serious!!!! Yes give praise to God! 🇨🇦

[@ragtop63]

I saw another similar headline the other day: "Northern Texas man survives Florida hurricanes by not living in Florida."

[@underthetornado]

Only a chef would use a fridge as a raft....👍❤

[@josephbennett3482]

Nah Joey Chestnut probably would too after he eats all the food quickly hahahaha 🤪🤪🤣

[@itzamia]

I would of been more concerned with the fridge floating upside down closing the door to the ground.

[@moniettebondu1195]

SO smart! Also... Happy for the jackpot winner there other day! SO needed there! Yaaay Fort Meyers! Hope they share to help rebuild!

[@flowerchick8691]

I love when people give God the Glory. Amen

[@davidwelty9763]

No one ever asks these people why they did not evacuate the the many shelters that were available.

[@ButterflyMatt]

Bobbing like a buoy out at sea. Except he was in a refrigerator in his house, which isn’t really similar at all. 😊

[@FranklovesBunnies]

They told us to evacuate days in advance so maybe listen next time

[@210david52]

I like how he just smokes a cigarette while telling his story for the news what a legend

[@tj4787]

Omg God Bless him 🙏🏾 smart thinking ❤

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

The Lord was watching over this man. I'm glad he has decided to evacuate next time. I live in Sarasota in a mobile home community we evacuated our home but I have talked to a few of my neighbors who did not evacuate and they told me how frightening the storm was was. When I asked if they would evacuate next time they said no. They would not leave their home. Go figure.

[@truthserum5310]

So why didn't "The Lord" watch after the other 100+ that are dead? SMH.

[@georgewagner7787]

If I knew, I'd be him.

[@ameliawilder28]

@@truthserum5310 sometimes it's people's time to go, some not. There is a reason we just don't know. We know sin exists and that is a contributor for sure. If God saved everybody's asses we wouldn't learn. If God granted miracles for everyone all the time, we would never be thankful. If God made life predictable, life would be boring. Maybe someone was already suffering and God took them in. Maybe they got impaled by something during the storm and God took them out of their suffering because even if they survived, they would most likely live in a painful life because of of injuries sustained from the storm. You have to look at things from all angles. By letting some people die, in a way they were saved. Saved from a long painful death, or a long painful road to recovery that may result in having a completely altered life filled with surgeries, medication... Losing their independence. There is a reason. God does not take life without a reason. And a lot of stuff that happens we will never understand why God let it happen. But we know he let happen for a reason.

[@truthserum5310]

@@ameliawilder28 Sorry, but that is a load of nonsense. God is nothing more than a catch all for the things you don't understand. "God", "The Lord" are nothing more than fictional characters created to instill fear in people for means of control on masses of people. It's all made up.

[@glorypraize]

It has to be very difficult for the elderly to evacuate.

[@christopherbee8635]

That's also how you survive a nuke.

[@Lu-cho]

IGNORANCE. THIS CAN BE PREVENTED. SAD HOW WE KNOW THIS AND MANY PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE THIS MISTAKE. 😬

[@drewt.4353]

The story could have easily read Florida man refused to evacuate, dies in fridge. Also, I think he just used it as a boat...

[@WhiffenC]

"So it looks a little different than it did huh?" Wow amazin journalism

[@jamesprovost2602]

These types of stories definitely keep me going 🙏💪🏾✨

[@tsvandyke]

1:24 ... ?? How the F does this make any sense? ... "he spent 5 minutes LOST OUT at SEA ... trapped in a house full of water."

[@hazztv6317]

I’m glad you alive Mr. Gorge.

[@lauren4500]

People in florida literally need to save for a rainy day !

[@sunnydaze2359]

I can't stress how important it is for everyone that lives in Florida to, at least purchase life jackets. Hundreds of people in Katrina could have been saved had they had them. Life jackets and helmets are required from now on for a Floridians sorry to say.

[@melissak8892]

"Life jackets and helmets are required from now on..." I understand the suggestion but what a weird thing to say.

[@sunnydaze2359]

@@melissak8892 maybe if you understood my comment it wouldn't be a weird thing to say. I said sorry to say because so far unfortunately life jackets are not required for everyone.ok?

[@melissak8892]

@@sunnydaze2359 yes I do speak English, thanks. But thankfully, you aren't a dictator and have no authority. Edit: reread your original comment. You said ARE.

[@sunnydaze2359]

@@melissak8892 you are right. I can understand it being misinterpreted. What I meant to say was it should be mandated for everyone from now on.

[@melissak8892]

@@sunnydaze2359 and your point is still ridiculous. I'm glad you have no authority to "mandate" anything.

[@Hugginsince79]

These people could have left even up to an hour before it hit.

[@sjhg4s]

I'm glad he made it and so happy he's not staying there!

[@naturethangs6465]

Wow A Chef Saved By A Freezer......Humble

[@sickoftheshit]

Why were those people not evacuated? Did they choose to stay?

[@TheWirdbird]

Lydia, lots of people don’t evacuate because of looters, who will come in and steal everything they can.

[@diannt9583]

Pets, lack of funds, health, transportation, and in this case, some rather late notice that it would be this bad. Plus some people feel invulnerable until, well, they are.

[@Arginne]

We didnt know till last minute where it was even going to hit

[@doyourbest.9554]

I wonder why he did not evacuate when told to? Well, he said he will next time.

[@xclimatexcoldxx]

A donation button for $500,000? That's like 2 hours of labor for Amazon, why do we normal people have to always donate?

[@DeathAngelHRA]

Exactly. It's all a scam. That's what FEMA and Red Cross is funded for. If they stop sending money to Ukraine and other countries to fight "climate change", all of this could easily be managed.

[@vinjulieann1]

Didn't they learn anything from the story of "The 3 Little Pigs"? Evacuate next time for sure.

[@valkyrie1066]

Whatever works, George! Buncha hugs!!!

[@katiestall2201]

Way to go George very quick thinking!

[@arlenespencer5850]

Sorry about that Sir... Kudos on been so brave & a quick thinker.. You rock... I Pray You can get back on Your feet soonest.. Thank You for sharing Your story.. 💯

[@Isabella-ql1eq]

GOD SPARE THIS MANS LIFE GOD BLESS 🙏🙏

[@Wulfman317]

So hiding inside a fridge saved this dude’s life, just like Indiana Jones!

[@naturelle1097]

A big pole to all of you. May God restore all that has been lost in His time.

[@kikoredog]

wishing pain on others is a sin enjoy hell heretic

[@mariatorres9789]

What if it was washed where he was pinned inside? God was looking out for him.

[@diannt9583]

And apparently God wasn't looking out for other people.

[@jamesford2160]

@Diann T And apparently you probably have no blessings

[@samwolfe7752]

"so it looks a little bit different than it used to?" bruh 💀

[@samanthagolper5268]

That’s terrifying, wouldn’t be surprised if he develops ptsd. Poor fella.

[@aerystargaryenii2565]

This man even knocked on wood. He's truly a wise man

[@hangfly]

THANK 🙏 YOU LIVE! TIME TO REBUILD STRONGER WITH A LOT OF CONCRETE! 💪 🚫 PAPER/WOOD👎

[@Orpheusftw]

I still have no goddamn idea how the fridge was supposed to have saved him.

[@BMarie774]

0:19 the lanai Kai where we spent so many vacations… my heart aches…. I’m so glad it ans Pinchers are still there but man, fort myers beach will forever be different.

[@reneefrances7249]

The way he answers would you ever ride out another storm🤣🤣

[@elsie412ok]

Wasn’t he under an evacuation order? If he wasn’t, why not?

[@juliov6166]

The homie was refrigerator 🏄‍♂️ surfin

[@LoFiMofo]

Hopefully people will leave the next time a hurricane hits. Take your important documents and leave. You cannot stop it, you have to leave.

[@michelleh.3326]

Just a reminder as well. Never get inside a refrigerator and close the door. They cannot open from the inside. Glad he is safe.

[@WellBeing999]

I’m sure with enough force you can push it open. Fridges “close”, they don’t lock 🔐

[@vonhooper6986]

This was true of old walk in fridges... Your standard home's fridge, can easily be opened from the inside. It is sad that people like you are so dumb.

[@ebrooklyn5736]

GEORGE you are right IT WAS GOD you saved your life...

[@allaware1971]

I found out in Indiana Jones that a refrigerator is the ultimate shelter.

[@jeffreyadams6738]

I’m confused. I’ve always been told never to get inside a refrigerator because the door can't be opened from the inside. Was he floating in it like a boat with the door swung open?

[@kycheese7424]

I think thats with old refrigerators, they changed the design cause kids were getting trapped inside

[@DeathAngelHRA]

They're only held shut with a weak magnetic strip in the gasket. Locking ones were phased out decades ago.

[@fromseedtomedicine6269]

It is so amazing to have sunshine after all this God is amazing 🙌🏿

[@G8oo8N8]

Say he needs to get a fridge tatto now. Straight up.

[@jarrheadja1522]

Congrats all I have to say is Gilligan would be proud

[@ricksomething]

Chefs don't cook on refrigerators. They use stoves.

[@MR.GetOVERiT333]

Well at least the Venezuelan migrants didn't go through this. Thanks desantis. KARMA.

[@wrenbyrd1093]

I’m glad he’s ok and that now he says he’ll get out of it happens again. I love cooking and food and it is funny that a fridge saved him ☺️