Above Average ...

Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. This is not a list of my best friends (I've yet to meet a Humberto), but rather a list of the 2007 named storms. Fitting, being that today is the first day of the official 2007 hurricane season.

After an extremely mild 2006 season, experts with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration are calling for "an above normal" season for 2007. And what does "above normal" mean? According to those experts: 13-17 named storms with 7-10 becoming hurricanes, of which 3-5 will become major storms--category 3 or higher. An average season, on the other hand, brings 11 named storms, with 6 becoming hurricanes, including 2 that become major storms.

Last year, though, was pretty good--great, actually a relief--after 2005 destroyed so much of the Gulf Coast I think we were all glad to see no major storms come through in 2006. I heard on the news this morning that the Outer Banks of North Carolina may be the first area hit this year. As a Carolina girl, born and raised in North Carolina, I take this to heart.

I asked someone a few years ago about hurricane windows and why, at the time, more Carolina Coastal residents (and there are some top-dollar homes along the Outer Banks) weren't investing in hurricane glazing products. After all, it seemed, so many Florida homes certainly had. He told me then that the Carolinas were where Florida was pre-Andrew. Interesting. I've heard more and more about homes being built there now with laminated windows and others that are retrofitting. For the safety this will bring to those behind that glass, I am glad. Hurricane glazing products are no joke--they do what they are made to do--they help ensure safety and security. And there is testing to prove it.

So with that said about our expected "above average" hurricane season, I wonder: What have been the biggest lessons you've learned from your own hurricane experiences? Please email me and let me know.