HURRICANE

(Click on the image to see a larger and clearer version)

OK, so maybe not a hurricane, as the 5 a.m. forecast track from the National Hurricane Center shows. This is good news, because a tropical storm might not pack winds that can literally blow our buildings down like a hurricane can. But if you look, you'll see that on its current path, Erika greets Florida Monday morning, squats down and dumps on it for a good two days before leaving the state.

If the current forecast holds, that storm will pound us for a long time. Notice that the cone of probability could still take Erika's center into the Gulf of Mexico, where warm water could fuel the storm into something stronger. Prepare.

Collect hurricane supplies like batteries, flashlights, water, non perishable food and a can opener. That's not a complete list. If you don't have one, this list from the U.S. Coast Guard will give you an idea of what you need. In St. Charles Place, we have a pump station for our waste water. It does not have its own generator so if we lose electricity for an extended time, eventually we will not be able to flush toilets.

Trash day is tomorrow. If you can remember to take any trash you have to the dumpsters today, that will help keep them from overflowing if Waste Management can't make its next scheduled pickup on Monday. (Please make sure trash gets into the actual dumpster. The trash truck drivers do not put the trash in the dumpster. They simply drive up, open the dumpster enclosure doors, empty the dumpster and drive off.)

Bring patio furniture or anything else that could become a hazard in high winds inside. Even if not a hurricane, a tropical storm has sustained winds of at least 39 mph. That's sustained winds. Gusts can blow much harder.

If your unit suffers damage, or you see damage, please report it by shooting an email to the board and to the community manager. Their emails are in the right-hand column of this page. If it's a weekend or after hours, also call the community manager's office at (813) 349-6552 and leave a message. They'll get it sooner than an email. Tip: press "1" when you hear the voicemail greeting start and you won't have to listen to all of it. You'll hear the beep and you can leave your message.

Stay safe.