Construction Consultant In Florida Advices Client On What To Do To Prepare For Hurricanes

USA, Satellite Beach, FL (SANEPR.com) July 11, 2008 -- Hurricane season is quickly approaching and experts are warning people what to do if they are caught in a hurricane and what to do right before the hurricane hits. “The best plan begins well before the hurricane actually comes,” Richard Charbonneau tells his clients. Charbonneau is the CEO of Charbonneau Hambleton P.A., a roof and construction consulting company. Charbonneau also tells his clients that having proper construction in place to begin with is the key foundation. “Paying more does not insure added safety,” Charbonneau tells his clients, “be smart and do your homework. Make sure you are getting the best for the money.”

Richard Charbonneau has been through several major hurricanes and he has seen the aftermath and the unnecessary mistakes people make. Charbonneau has tips for people to keep in mind when making hurricane plans. Most people who live on the coast know what to do before the hurricane gets there but they do not always make the best decision when it comes to evacuating or deciding when to come back after the hurricane leaves.

When asked if and when you should evacuate Richard responded, “Well if the county recommends you evacuate you really should consider it. If you are on a barrier island you absolutely should heed the warning. If you wait too long it may be too late. For instance, there comes a time when you may not be able to get over the bridges because they are up or closed. Also, if you wait you may get stuck in a twenty hour traffic jam and end up in the car for the hurricane, not a pleasant thought at all. If you are going to go, plan your exit 2-3 days before the hurricane hits. You should always evacuate, even in the case of a Category 1 storm, if you live in a manufactured home. This is not to disparage manufactured homes, as some of them are nice, but they cannot withstand even the mildest hurricanes. If you are in a manufactured home during a hurricane your life is at risk.”

“Many people do not realize that even in Category 1 storms you may not have power which means you will not have lights, electricity, air conditioning, hot water and in all probability non-flushing toilets will become a health hazard as well. All ATM’s will also be down and if you can find a merchant that has remained open it will be CASH only and you will not be able to pay with anything other than green cash. If you are planning on staying, get a thousand dollars in cash well before the hurricane hits,” advises Charbonneau.

Charbonneau knows that many people want to come back immediately after the storm. He agrees that it is very tempting to speed back the next day to see how the house is but it isn’t always the right decision. “You have to ask yourself if coming back to no power and no services will be effective. You also have to consider your safety. Looters, downed electrical lines, and possible structure damage, are all strong possibilities for days after the hurricane has left. “When you do get back to your house the first thing you should do is make sure the building is safe to enter, things and money can be replaced, lives can’t,” urged Charbonneau.

After last years devastating hurricanes Charbonneau wants everyone to be safe and have a plan in place instead of failing to take the hurricane seriously. “People think that Category 1 or 2 storms are not that serious, but every hurricane should be taken seriously.” After seeing the unnecessary mistakes many have made, he warns all of his clients to plan for the worst instead of just hoping for the best.

Additional information on Richard Charbonneau and Charbonneau Hambleton P.A. can be found at www.floridaroofnews.com.

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