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Highlands Today

Hurricane Season Starting To Fire Up

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 19, 2008

The first two months of the hurricane season - as far as Floridians are concerned - have been quiet.

But it's August and anyone who has lived in this state for more than a few years knows this month and September are usually the most active months of the season.

Tropical Storm Fay, which might be a hurricane by this morning, serves as a reminder of that. Fay was expected to be a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall.

Highlands County Emergency Management Director Bill Nichols thinks Fay will be primarily a rain event. Hopefully, Nichols will be right.

More rain may not be a bad thing for Highlands County. Remember the drought and the low lake levels that resulted. Highlands needs a bunch of rain to bring the levels back up, and Fay can help do that.

During the last couple of years, we have been fortunate the area has not been hit by a monster storm. But any hurricane can be dangerous.

People are taking the storm seriously and have prepared for it - as well they should.

By now, residents should have brought inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

Gas tanks should be filled and batteries checked.

People need to stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medication.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date information.

We hope everyone will stay safe and is ready if Fay pays a visit. Don't forget that the hurricane season is still a ways from being over.

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