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Has it been mentioned that there have been severe thunderstorms every day since arrival. And that the Atlantic Hurricane season started yesterday. In the last 10 years, the Atlantic Basin has experienced 137 named storms, 77 hurricanes and 38 major hurricanes. Of those 38, only six crossed the U.S. coastline and of those six, THREE OF THEM (Charley, Frances and Jeanne) crossed Florida through Tampa in 2004.
NOW they tell me.
Just in case anything happens while I�m here, I asked Bobbi for her hurricane preparedness plan.
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into the car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.
OK, so her plan isn�t the best. So I asked her Dad � who�s lived in Florida a tad longer:
Step 1: PURCHASE HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements:
(1) It is reasonably well-built, and...
(2) It is located in Nebraska.
While insurance companies are happy to insure your home and collect the premiums, they are somewhat less anxious to actually pay out.
Step 2: PLAN AN EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says "Florida", you live in a low-lying area.)
The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely (see end quote).
Step 3: KEEP INFORMED: As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean telling you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
It must be great living in Paradise!
Nine months after a hurricane, there is, apparently, an unusual upsurge in births. (duh!) For planning purposes, I hereby list the 2005 Hurricane Names.Arlene Bret Cindy Dennis
Emily Franklin Gert Harvey
Irene Jose Katrina Lee
Maria Nate Ophelia Philippe
Rita Stan Tammy Vince
WilmaWilma???!!??
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