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Lesson Learned from Hurricane Irma

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By: Joe Mauricio

 

Nearly one week before Hurricane Irma was predicted to make landfall in Florida, Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for the entire state. Residents heeded the warning with one of largest evacuations ever to occur in the United States. Irma was the most powerful Atlantic storm in decades. Evacuation centers were opened all over the state, where countless number of residents took refuge.

So many criticisms of Florida offi cials for taking the storm seriously and planning for all contingencies was misplaced. True destruction was not as dire as predicted, but better to prepare for the worst, than gamble with the lives of residents and visitors and those in charge of protecting them. And it will be a long recovery period.

Estimates on storm damage are starting to come in, but the economic toll—disruption of businesses, increased unemployment, crop losses, and property and infrastructure damage –is likely to be significant.

By saying this, the Philippines is an archipelago right on the track of typhoons. If we are getting Category 5 hurricane in U.S., some-thing like that could occur in Asia. So, it’s smart to prepare early, get flood insurance, and don’t rush to blame the government. Send cash to relief efforts. Don’t fixate on what doesn’t matter. Give aid to friends, neighbors, and whoever needs help. Disaster areas will need an ongoing support.

Warm thank you for attending my garden picnic birthday celebration last August 20th, family and friends. I hope that everybody had a great time. Thanks for your gifts and your presence, and I really appreciate it. The generous gifts of love and food were overflowing, Salamat galore!

One of the nicest things was spending my birthday with all of you in a natural garden setting at the Pavilion picnic grill area. I had a lovely time smoking my favorite cigar from BFF Don Kramer, and I would not have wanted it any other way.

I would like to thank you all, most especially to my Irog VL, who prepared the memorable event with her expertise and TLC.##

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