Hurricane Marilyn anniversary

I can't imagine those of us who went through it & lost so much could become complacent but maybe it's human nature. Every time I get the email storm notices from the Hurricane Center I get the willies.

I just found the pics I took after Marilyn. Being 12 years older, I don't know that I could stand to live in the aftermath of that again but thankfully, we've rebuilt so much stronger (11" thick concrete roof now + best shutters available not to mention a huge generator) that maybe it won't be quite as bad. But nothing is 100%.

I arrived between Hugo and Marilyn. I had heard that people were complacent, eg "That'll never happen again, it was a hundred year storm." People had stopped building in the traditional ways, thought they were bullet-proof. I see again some of the new buildings with huge expanses of windows (the new condo development in Mahogany Run, for example) and the number of new developers, residents who have not been through a 100-year storm. Just hoping everyone will remain vigilant.

I know you are, Trade.;)

Hi Trade:

You mention having "the best shutters available." May I ask, what type are those? I'm looking to install some on new windows, and would appreciate suggestions, especially as between metal roll downs, custom made West Indian style, etc.

Thanks,

Islandlola

Try John at Kokomos. there at at 5 corners.

On ST Croix Hugo made a direct hit with winds of 200MPH /17-18, 1989 there was looting,rioting besides the( all out property damage, human fatalities and injuries),The President of the United States had to bring in Federal Troops. When Marilyn hit, people "not all" just gave up. Alot left the islands never to return. I don't think anyone is complacent, I think they pray and wait till hurricane season is over. Thats one of the reasons I had asked on a previous thread about Oct 25th. I'M not complacent just alot scared when this season is upon us. Sometimes afraid to talk about it as I fear it might bring bad luck!

The shutters we got was what was the best/strongest available at the time when we rebuilt. Extra thick accordian style shutters that lock where they come together in the center & on the sliding glass doors they're bolted into the floor in heavy-duty tracks. I paid extra to have all the windows on my place shuttered, not just the front & sides. I hope it's enough.

People are indeed complacent. The Wednesday before we expected Dean to hit (or near miss), I spoke with a life-long resident, born here lady, at the doctor's office, who told me she couldn't be bothered with worrying about storms, she didn't have any idea how Dean was tracking and hadn't done any prep. Later I discussed the possibility of a hit with another, well educated, community involved lady who actually laughed at me for being concerned and stocking up, boarding up, etc. She said "It's just a category 1, that's nothing." There was also a 15 year old young man in that conversation who didn't know what we were talking about! When I explained to him that we might get hit by a hurricane, he was really bummed that we might not have electricity on Saturday because there was a 10 hour marathon on TV. (He had to explain to me that a marathon on TV means they show one episode after another of the same series.) He was not being cute.

Scares me.

Juanita,
Small survey, 6 out of the 6 posters said they were concerned, that number includes you. I will not defend the two women you referenced. But the 15 year old boy has no experience with a Hurricane, His parents should know, and prepare accordingly.

True, small survey, but that was only my experience, on one afternoon. As for the boy's parents knowing and preparing, well wouldn't you think he would have, at least, heard something? Just living in a home with adults who should be concerned should rub off a bit. I was truly taken aback. There was more. At Pueblo, either that day or the next, there didn't seem to be any urgency. There was plenty of water and batteries, etc. At least as much as Pueblo EVER has! There weren't any lines. Cost U Less did have longer lines, people buying water, batteries, canned goods, etc I just got the impression I was preparing a lot more than most. Thankfully, they were right.....this time!.

Juanita,
My wife and I, raised 4 children who have become fine adults and parents today. However when they were in their teen years, I thought someone had switched them at birth or alien pods like the movie (Body Snatchers) had taken over their minds and bodies. At that age they march to a different beat of the drum.