As citizens of Florida can already attest to, the 2008 hurricane season is ramping up. Tropical storm Fay surprised many in central Florida this past week by stalling out and dumping over 15 inches of rain in some areas. Brevard County suffered substantial flooding and 51 homes were damaged by a tornado.

Now there are more tropical systems developing in the Atlantic. Hurricane Gustav is already making landfall in Haiti. It is expected to strengthen to at least a category 3 as it moves into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. People living in the gulf sates should take notice and start preparations now.

Also there is another tropical disturbance, Invest 95, which has the potential to develop into a storm. Currently situated northeast of the Virgin Islands, the standard computer models have this system taking a northwest trek towards Bermuda.

Here are some key suggestions for preparing for a hurricane:

1. -Plan Ahead (know evacuation routes, keep posted with the news, gather supplies, keep organized
2. -Turn off water, gas and electricity
3. -Gather non-perishable and high perishable foods, vitamins, plastic utensils and a non-electric heating source
4. -Fill the tub and extra containers with drinking water
5. -Gather batteries, radios and flashlights
6. -Fill your car with gas
7. -Board up your home, bring potential projectiles inside, secure down what cannot be moved
8. -Cut potentially damaging tree and shrub limbs if possible
9. -During the storm get to the safest room in the house (away from windows and internal to the structure
10. -If the storm is extremely strong, get out of the area completely or go to a shelter

Pura vida,
Nick