Floridians Warned on Hurricane Preparations
 Florida home builders have launched a campaign to educate home owners on essential home maintenance preparations that are needed to weather the 2005 hurricane season.
Cable stations across the state are airing a 30-second public service announcement identifying simple home maintenance tips to help ensure that homes are better protected from wind and rain. The spots are being sponsored by the Florida Home Builders Association and Mercedes Homes, and will also be broadcast soon on radio stations. “Forecasters have predicted an unusually active 2005 hurricane season,” said Dan Gilmore, president of the association and a Pensacola developer. “Now is the time to prepare for the strong winds and rains associated with these devastating storms.” “We hope last year’s back-to-back storms were an anomaly that will not be repeated,” said Keith Buescher, president of Mercedes Homes, “but we’ve all learned the importance of being prepared. As Floridians, we need to take responsibility for the preparation of our homes and property and the safety of our families. That’s why we were delighted to partner with FHBA in this initiative.” The public service announcement encourages home owners to: - Inspect their home
- Repair or replace loose shingles
- Repair or replace leaky windows
- Trim trees
- Remove patio and pool items and other materials that can become flying debris
The message also reminds home owners to be leery of unlicensed contractors and to hire only licensed Florida contractors for post-hurricane damage repairs.
“When the storm passes, we don’t want home owners to be victimized a second time by fly-by-night unlicensed contractors,” Gilmore said. “If your home is damaged, contact a Florida licensed contractor to make repairs.” | 
