| As
the manager of Pioneer Hurricane Protection, I fear the continual
downplaying of the approaching season is unfair to Florida residents.
Coupled with the closing of many shutter companies and the constant
barrage of negative publicity toward those remaining, homeowners
have become blasé about the need to protect themselves and
their families. An article in the Palm Beach Post, printed Tuesday,
July 24th, stated that one in three people in Southern coastal areas
would ignore hurricane evacuation orders. The reason given was that
the majority of people believe their homes are well-built and will
withstand storm damage. A Harvard professor who compiled data for
this survey was quoted as saying, “….people can become
complacent if they’re not immediately threatened.”
Have we learned nothing from years
past? Do the names Andrew, Frances, Jean, Wilma and Katrina mean
nothing? It is important that the media report changes to the seasonal
forecast. However, when downgrading the severity of the season,
they should also inform residents that no report is written in stone.
Mother Nature loves to pay surprise visits. We need to be prepared.
Remember….It only takes one storm!
Sincerely,
Donna M. Carbone
Manager
Pioneer Hurricane Protection, Inc.
1557 Jupiter Park Drive – Ste 6
Jupiter, Florida
561 744-3157
Letter to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
August 18, 2007
Dear Sir:
In recent months, local news stations and newspapers have reported
that hurricane shutter companies throughout the state are unable
to honor contracts for production and installation during our present
hurricane season. According to published reports, customers contracting
for shutters are facing a seven to ten month wait, bringing their
delivery date well beyond the end of the 2006 season. To generalize
in such an absolute manner is unfair to the industry as a whole,
but most importantly, it is a disservice to residents of Florida,
who may now be placed in jeopardy should a major storm approach
our shores.
Although some companies may have contracted for more orders than
they could reasonably honor, there are companies who can still produce
and install shutters in four to six weeks. Some, like Pioneer Hurricane
Protection, in Jupiter, can often install in less than four weeks.
What sets these companies apart is an adequate supply of materials,
experienced installers and a desire to serve the communities in
which they do business.
To say that I take these attacks on the hurricane protection industry
personally is an understatement. For the past three months, my co-workers
and I have worked six days/60 hours a week in order to meet the
delivery dates promised to our customers. Our installers remain
at a job site until the last of the sunlight has faded in order
to complete their jobs in a timely fashion.
Throughout Florida there are reliable, dependable hurricane shutter
companies, who will guarantee installation in a month or less. Homeowners
in need of hurricane shutters should not be misled by false news
reports. There is still time to protect our homes and our lives
this year!
Sincerely,
Donna M. Carbone
Office Manager
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