“Hurricane Safety”Hurricanes are one of the most damaging forces of nature. These tropical storms, with winds reaching over eighty miles per hour, have the potential to destroy millions of people...including you. This is why I am writing to you, the people of South Florida, in hopes of informing you of the dangers of hurricanes. Many precautions have been taken in the past. However, some security measures are unreliable. Having the attitude “Oh…what are the chances a hurricane will hit me?” or "What are the chances of this happening to me?" will not constitute justification for not taking appropriate precautions. The fact is that hurricanes give very little warning time and it is absolutely necessary for you to clean up your home and yard, plan for the evacuation of your family members, and obtain flood insurance . One of the most important safety measures is cleaning up around your home, as materials in your yard can serve as missiles. The possible three hundred to four hundred mile range of an average hurricane can turn objects such as dead tree branches, playground equipment, and other "loose" materials in your yard into deadly projectiles aimed at your House. This is why it is important to cut off dead limbs as well as weak limbs. Along with items in your yard, your items can become dangerous during a hurricane. To ensure the safety of residents, it is essential to close the windows to avoid glass “splashing”. I would suggest permanent shutters, although it can be very expensive. Another alternative is to use half-inch sheets of plywood. Second, you need to make evacuation plans for your family members. Planning an evacuation route is simple. You can call local emergency management offices and determine the quickest and safest route to a shelter. However, be sure to create an escape plan for your pets. Pets cannot be admitted to emergency shelters due to health and space concerns. You can call your local humane society regarding local animal shelters. Overall, you should be prepared to travel twenty to fifty miles to shelter, so make sure you have plenty of gas. Hurricanes cause inland flooding. Everyone living in South Florida should have flood insurance. Like I said earlier, you shouldn't have the attitude of "This will never happen to me"... because it can, it's called Murphy's Law and it states that what you think be the least likely to happen will happen..