The good news is Hurricane Irene’s personality was taken down a notch before she went out to meet the neighbors.  The bad news is she still was less than pleasing.  Make no mistake though – Irene served as a reminder of our vulnerability. 

Hurricane season, which began June 1st and ends on November 30th is far from over.  Irene will be followed by a series of obnoxious friends, some who could make her seem like the annoying little sister.  Think about how much grief Irene visited upon the areas she hit as a low level hurricane.  Hurricane sustained wind speeds as categorized under the Saffir-Simpson scale can reach in excess of 155 miles per hour (Cat 5 hurricane).  Can you imagine the impact of such a hurricane if it took the same party path as Irene? 

Irene should remind us that we live on a volatile planet.  A planet that can throw any number of things at us at a moment’s notice.  And let’s face it – we aren’t Dorothy with our little dog Toto in tow in the strange land of Oz (Hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes – oh my!) – we know where we live and what threats we face.

I hope those who fared better than expected in the face of Irene’s toned down hissy fit don’t become complacent when it comes to those that follow her.  Hurricanes are serious business and their potential to wreak havoc on heavily populated areas must be noted by all those living in the areas that could be affected.  In the same way that you buckle your seatbelt, lock your doors at night and safeguard your children you should prepare for the potential of the hazards that face you and your family.

Stay safe – get informed about the hazards that can affect your area and be prepared to keep yourself and your family safe.

Day seven hundred and eighty-three of the new forty – obla di obla da

Ms. C