God forbid this storm hits us.
But if it does:

- Are we ready for it?
- What should we be doing right now?
- What should the Government be doing right now?

http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/news/issie.jpg

Here is what the Washington Post is saying about this storm: Click Here (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64458-2003Sep12.html)

What a good site for hurracane info? Try http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/
I find these people to be very accurate. Click on the links below the map. It covers everything you would need to know. Everyone should go to this site. Add it to your favorite's list and put a link on your desk top.

I am my friends and families "expert" on Hurricanes. In the last few days I have received lots of calls about the storm - I refer them to this site PLEASE check it out! I should also point out that ultimately we should heed the warnings issued by the Government of the Bahamas. The site I recommend is just another resources.

As for the question, "Are we ready?" I hope so but who can be ready for 160 MPH sustained winds?
"What can we do?" We should have made ourselves ready as soon as the season starts!
"What should the government do?" THEY should have been ready as soon as the season started as well - I hope they are.
We Bahamains like to wait for the last second to get ready - not good enough!!!!!
Hurricanes are nothing to fool with! Even minimal ones!

Having lived in Florida for 22 years and now New Providence since Hurricane Michele greated us, I must tell you Bahammians are better prepared for storms.

In the US, many people panic, purchase an abundance of supplies, board up the house, then leave for Orlando to find a hotel if it looks like the big one.

Bahamians can't drive to Orlando, they Hunker Down. During Michele, the family took a vote as whether to go to a shelter or stay home. The family vote was to stay home.

Two of the strongest and highest homes were chosen, food was purchased and cooked for two days before Michele hit. The freezers and refrigerators were filled to last the 5 days that we knew we would be without power.

The family decided who who be at which house and we weathered the storm. Aside from the flooding all was well. We live in Coral Harbour and couldn't get out for a couple of days.

As it looks like this storm may miss us, I am curious to see how the new sea wall on the North side of the Island fares the seas that are sure to pound on it.

Just my thoughts.....