Ms. Roxanne Roberts, the recipient of the donations, adopted four special needs children- two sibling groups- from the State of Florida. At the time of the first adoption, the children were three and four. On the second occasion, she adopted two sisters who where twelve and sixteen years old. Prior to becoming an adoptive parent, Ms. Roberts began providing full-time care for a 14 year old boy who had cerebral palsy and required total care. He had been institutionalized where she worked and was very attached to her. He still lives with her, and he is now 23 years old. After all of these years caring for others, Ms. Roberts is excited about the upcoming birth of her new child.

Roxanne and family have found a home to live, but it is not “liveable” due to fire damage. Roxanne turned to the Builders Care network for help and Storm Smart’s “We Care” program was notified of her situation. “We are pleased to be able to help Roxanne and her family as a recipient of our “We Care” program, said Brian Rist, Storm Smart Industries, president.

Storm Smart Industries will be installing the aluminum shutters on the home Friday, March 5, 2010. Many other organizations have stepped in to help as well. Such volunteers as; D and D Garage Doors, Suncoast  Lumber, Michael Callendberger, GCM Contracting, Angie and Tim Young and Good Deals,Other volunteers have donated their time as well.

Do you want to be a member of a dynamic team environment in a thriving company? We are always looking for qualified professionals to join our team. If you feel that you have the drive and skills to become a member, please forward your resume to careers@stormsmart.com.

Storm Smart Industries, Inc. is currently looking for Sales Representatives for the Charlotte, Collier, and Sarasota County, Florida markets.

The right candidate will be experienced with in-home sales, preferably in the hurricane protection or replacement window industry. We are looking for independent, highly-motivated individuals with a history of exceeding goals. Our most successful sales professionals manage their territories and develop strong referral networks.

Associate`s degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and three years experience in a related industry is desired, although a combination of education and experience would be considered.

We have an excellent compensation package for the right candidate. We are looking for enthusiastic attitudes and team players to share in our success. Come join a winning team with an industry leader!

Storm Smart is proud to offer our March, 2010 special. If you buy any four of our Storm Smart Products, get your fifth product free, of equal or lesser value.  Be sure to check out our Storm Catcher line of products. So easy, you can do it yourself.  Easy Screens can block against 150 mile per hour winds, which is a catergory four hurricane!  The screens are also easily installed and removed.

We have many different products to suite all of your needs and styles. You can also find us at: http://www.stormcatcher.com

Many other corporations are following suite such as; Fawcett Memorial Hosptial in Port Charlotte and C2 communications, just to name a few. Devoting time to the internet and developing an online presence is essential to most businesses. It is affordable and really works to reach a larger audience. Social media expert, Murray Izenwasser comments “I don’t know any business now that doesn’t have a website. It’s just for the legitimacy factor now.”

Read more here

While others are filing for Chapter 11- Storm Smart stays strong by making customer service number one and is still the leader in the hurricane protection business.

Read more here..

Gary DeMond, Director of Sales, has a history of executive leadership within several Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, he founded a business development consulting firm that orchestrated the start-up, growth and optimization of manufacturing and service-industry organizations. DeMond will be responsible for managing all commercial and retail sales activities for Storm Smart and Go Energy Smart. “This company has a long history of amazing achievements. I look forward to contributing any way I can.”
Jennifer Peak, Marketing Manager, has over 10 years experience in marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and social media in a variety of industries including; luxury real estate, construction, automotive and 4-star dining. Peak has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and has recently relocated to Ft. Myers. Jennifer will be responsible for all marketing, public relations and events at Storm Smart and Go Energy Smart. “This position allows me to work for a leader in the community and I am looking forward to being a vital member of the Storm Smart team.” commented Peak.

Frank Suanez is the newest sales representative for Storm Smart. Frank has over 15 years sales experience in an array of fields and will bring new business to the Storm Smart team.

“The secret is out,” said Brian Rist, Storm Smart president. “We are continuing to grow to new and higher plateaus and I am excited to welcome three new talented members to the team and I hope to bring on two more in the near future!” more here…

All in all the show was a great success. Major Storm and the rest the Storm Smart staff looks forward to meeting more of the public at a show near you soon.

With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenges ¬both indoors and out. Being prepared and following simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm during this cold snap we are about to experience in Florida. Residents and visitors to Southwest Florida should remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practising Fire Safety.

• Dress in layered clothing and wear some kind of head cover when outdoors. Although it may be cloudy and chilly, do not forget to wear sun block.
• Have a warm meal or drink. A cup of soup or a mug of hot cocoa can warm your entire body, even when the air is chilly. Spicy foods are especially potent for heating things up.
• Get physical. Exercise! Do jumping jacks, or run in place. Break a sweat. This will bring up your body temperature, and you may find yourself needing to cool down–even though your home isn’t even that warm!
• Most ceiling fans have two settings. They can spin one way, blowing cold air down, or the opposite direction, pushing cold air up. In the winter, change the setting of your fan so that it pushes cold air up–keeping the warm air down below where you are.
• Weather strip your existing windows and doors or consider investing in new Impact Resistant Windows and Doors.
• Keep pets inside; when necessary walk them on the grass (not the cold sidewalk).
• Protect livestock and other animals with adequate shelter, extra feed and supplemental heat.
• Bring sensitive potted plants inside.
• Cover outdoor plants with burlap or cloth. Cold will penetrate plastic. Water early in the day to allow the suns heat to penetrate the soil and roots.
• Buy a portable space heater, and use it in the room you use the most. If you’re going to another room for more than 30 minutes, move the heater there 15 minutes beforehand so that the room will warm up. Keep the door to the room you’re in closed to trap the warm air. Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation.
• Do not refuel kerosene heaters inside.
• Make sure fireplace flues are working properly BEFORE the cold weather arrives.
• Check extension cords for breaks and/or fraying before plugging in extra heating devices.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors. They produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes

Be Safe. Be Smart. Storm Smart.

• Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days(72 hrs) for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three day supply of non – perishable food items
• A battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flash light and extra batteries
• First aid kit. The more comprehensive the better
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in the event of plumbing, sewage or septic issues
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. They will also come in handy for numerous other situations
• Can opener for canned food

The above listed items are the most basic of necessities. You may also want to consider storing the following items as well:

• Prescription meds and glasses
• Infant food and formula
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Important documents (Insurance, bank accounts, id etc…) It;’s a good idea to place these items in a water proof container.
• Cash or travellers checks
• Emergency reference materials (first aid books etc…)
• Sleeping bag or blankets for each person.
• Complete change of clothing
• Household chlorine bleach. If diluted with nine parts water, it can be used as a  disinfectant.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Hygiene supplies
• Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books games and puzzles or other activities for children.

Most of the information from this list was found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide for 2009 –2010.

Possibly related posts:

• Related posts on hurricane kit
• Hurricane Preparation Kit « emergency preparedness
• Emergency Kits – Specialty Types
• Preparing the yacht for a violent storm

Tropical Storm – 39 – 74 mph.

Category 1 – Winds of 74 – 95 mph.

Storm Surge 4-5 feet above normal. Damage to signs, unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees. Minor coastal flooding.

Category 2 – Winds of 96 – 110 mph.

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet above normal. Some trees blow down. Damage to some doors, windows, and roofs. Flooding to piers. Considerable damage to mobile homes

Category 3 – Winds of 111 – 130 mph.

Some structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding near coast destroys small structures. Flooding may come well inland

Category 4 – Winds of 131 – 155 mph.

Some complete roof structure and curtainwall failure. Major beach area erosion. Inland flooding.

Category 5 – Winds of 156 and up.

Major damage to many structures. Buildings and roofs blown away. Major and severe flooding events. Massive evacuations of residences could be required.

References: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/saffir_simpson.shtml