Four years have passed since we endured the likes of hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, with sustained winds of 115 mph and massive power outages. By comparison, Tropical Storm Fay sounds like a lightweight, a rain storm with wind gusts of 40 mph. It was scary watching overnight weather forecasts on local TV stations and checking frequently the Website for the National Weather Service in Orlando.
Still, there doesn't seem to be any widespread panic and state officials seem to be on top of things.
Gov. Charlie Crist was wise to call for a state of emergency over the weekend.
Volusia Schools Superintendent Margaret Smith was also wise to call off school Tuesday and Wednesday. The adage of it's better to be safe than sorry works.
I was a little concerned Monday night as weather forecasters predicted Fay could go out over the Atlantic and re-enter directly over Brevard and Volusia counties.
As those reports started coming in, I called New Smyrna Beach Mayor Sally Mackay and City Commissioners Randy Richtenberg, Lynne Plaskette and Jack Grasty. I could not get any of them on either home or cell phones.
I left three messages for the mayor. I didn't contact City Commissioner James Hathaway because I know he gets to sleep early because of his job.
In fairness to Mayor Mackay and the commissioners, I did call late and they could have been sleeping or out.
But I am surprised the city has no mention of the coming storm on its Web site.
Oak Hill doesn't have any information on its Web site either related to T.S. Fay.
Edgewater, on the other hand, has information on its Web site about T.S. Fay, including some useful safety tips/supply lists.
Here are those tips offered by the National Hurricane Center that could be essential in the aftermath of a storm event:
# Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days.
# Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days.
-- Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
-- foods for infants or the elderly
-- Snack foods
-- Non-electric can opener
-- Cooking tools / fuel
-- Paper plates / plastic utensils
# Supplies.
-- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
-- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
-- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
-- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
-- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
-- Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
-- Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
-- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
-- Keys
-- Toys, Books and Games
-- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
-- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
-- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
-- Pet care items
proper identification / immunization records / medications
ample supply of food and water
a carrier or cage
-- Muzzle and leash.