[Cyndalie]

Having just moved from Florida after living there for 30 years I have been in more than my fair share of hurricanes. Up until 5 years ago hurricane scares were more of a reason to shack up with friends and drink 'hurricane party' we called it.

After Charley, Frances, Jeane, Katrina, and Wilma (especially WILMA), and a number of other close calls and tropical storms since 2003 I have to say that these storms are some of the most frightening experience you can ever go through. Not only is the storm bad, but if you are in a badly affected area like we were after Wilma, you can look forward to weeks without power, unable to buy any food, water, ice, or gas, and quite frankly you are on your own. The damage is a whole other ballgame, and preparaton is also costly.

I never want to experience one again.