MAN ON THE STREET: Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially began June 1, and while there has only been one named storm thus far that doesn't mean a major storm couldn't threaten the East County over the next few months. This week, the East County Observer caught up with some local residents to see whether or not they've prepared their homes for hurricane season. 
 

What have you done to prepare for hurricane season?

Barbara
“Basically nothing. I’ve done more at work than I have for my home. I work for the Ringling Museum of Art, so we have a hurricane preparedness system in place. But I haven’t really thought about my own house. Last year we had water and batteries; but this year I don’t know if it’s because the oil spill has been in the media and on television more, but I haven’t heard enough about it.”

Gwyn Ingham
“It’s terrible. I’ve read about it, but I’ve done nothing. We have extra batteries in the house because of the kids’ toys. I’ll be one of those people frantically running around getting stuff and there won’t be anything on the shelves.”

Hector Garcia
“I haven’t done anything yet. We normally prepare with the regular basic stuff — flashlights, canned food and a bunch of water. We have our evacuation route, but we don’t have anything planned. I’m a foreigner, so we have all of our personal documents in a special box and we have cash (on hand) just in case.”

Greg Byrd
“Nothing. I watch the weather. I’ll start getting prepared (if I need to), but I’m not going to go out and buy a bunch of stuff now when there’s nothing out there.” 

Hank Becker
“I work for the government in Key Largo, so we have a hurricane evacuation plan in place and we’ve been making sure the information is up to date. I’ve gone out to check the lines on the boats to make sure they’re in the right place. As for my home though, I haven’t done anything.”