‘’It’s time to start paying attention again.” - Get Your Hurricane Plan in Place

These cautionary words today about Tropical Storm Chris, from Michael Black, a meteorologist with the federal government’s Hurricane Research Division on Virginia Key.

According to reports filed all over South Florida we’ve begun the official wait, worry and watch mode to see if Chris hits the Islands and continues on his way to South Florida where current storm tracks have him pointing. Since I just moved back to the water from 14 miles inland, just one block away from the Intracoastal waterway in West Palm Beach, I’m having no problem following along.

We actually moved away from this neighborhood just days before Frances tore the neighborhood apart in 2004. The huge Ficus tree across the street from my house crashed down in our park and was impressive enough to be featured days later on ABC’s national network news. Two years later, as I moved back in and went for my old walk along the waterway with my excitable Jack Russell Terriers I noticed in detail just how many homes and buildings were condemned or seriously damaged. Across the Intracoastal on Palm Beach, the summer season finds houses shut up tight with all kinds of hurricane protection. Is it my memory, or are a FAR higher percentage of those mansions shuttered up than before Frances?

While we’re keeping an eye out for Chris let’s all use this time to re-check our supplies, our hurricane plan, and plan for our safety with hurricane protection for your home or business. Got an insurance policy that needs to be updated? Remember, you can’t change your policy once we’re under a Hurricane Watch so act today for a little more piece of mind tonight. Likewise, if you DON’T already have shutters or some kind or impact windows, then now is a great time to get to your favorite home improvement store for the plywood and supplies you’ll need to shutter up your home. And don’t forget to protect your garage door.