Hurricane Season is here! Are you prepared? Most Floridians know that hurricane season can be very unpredictable. Be proactive and answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens:

-What are the Hurricane hazards?

-What actions should you take to be prepared?

-What are some ways to stay informed?

The National Hurricane Center is a great resource for Hurricane preparedness. Here they describe the different stages of a tropical cyclone:

-Tropical Depression-tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38mph or less.

-Tropical Storm- tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39-73mph.

-Hurricane-tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74mph or higher.

-Major Hurricane- tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111mph or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4, or 5.

It's important to know the various hazards associated with tropical cyclones. They can produce Storm surges, Tornadoes, High winds, Ripcurrents, and Rainfall.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe

weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive damage and loss of life.

Since these storms threaten life and property, it's necessary to take the appropriate steps to be prepared for this hurricane season. Before any storms form, create a plan for your family, home and/or community. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and battery-powered equipment. Determine safe evacuation routes and purchase drinking water and food that will keep. Speak to your property manager about trimming trees and shrubs and ask if they propose any hurricane preparedness procedures.

Seacrest Services takes pride in it's Hurricane Preparedness Program. Part of our plan is to establish authorizations for post-storm cleanup. Our priority is to assess our communities and mobilize labor and equipment to ensure that access to the community is established immediately following a storm. It is also vital that emergency vehicles have the ability to enter the community as soon as possible. The following procedures are included in our Hurricane Preparedness Program and are offered to our communities:

• Each year an Emergency Team will be organized with assignees from the various departments by June 1 st .
• A pre-season schedule will be established by each site manager for securing all property and fixtures, dumpsters and fencing which could be hazardous in the event of a storm or during post storm cleanup.
•  The Emergency Team will coordinate all the precautionary steps appearing under the various alert times on the Hurricane Preparation Checklist.
• The Seacrest office will be the initial COMMAND POST. The telephone number is 561-697 -4990. The Emergency Only phone number is 561-656-6310. The Emergency Phone (phone lines down) number is 561-471-2528
• Residents need to keep their radios or TV's tuned to local weather reporting stations and be alert for announcements. You may be told to evacuate.

While we hope 2011 will be a quiet hurricane season, we encourage you to stay informed. There are some great resources for obtaining more information about hurricane preparedness.

-Go to www.seacrestservices.com to find any news and updates relating to Hurricane Preparedness.

-Detailed hurricane preparedness information can be found on the web at www.hcbcc.net/Hurricane.html

-Tune in to CBS News Ch12 and WBPF News Ch 25

-Most Palm Beach and Broward County Libraries and Tax Collector's Offices offer Hurricane Preparedness tools and booklets to keep you informed for the 2011 season.

-NOAA Weather Radio-broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Andy Jones joined Seacrest Services in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the accounting department and corporate financial affairs. With over 22 years of accounting experience, Andy has been involved in a wide spectrum of business accounting including working as an auditor for a CPA firm which specialized in auditing the financial statements of large property management and real estate companies. Originally from Concord, NC, Andy relocated to South Florida eight years ago and lives in Wellington with his wife, Kinza, and two children, Kacie and Justin.

Marlene Bernstein joined Seacrest Services as Accounting Manager, overseeing the Association accounting department. For the past 10 years, Marlene has managed all aspects of Association accounting including financials, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting and collections. She is extremely familiar with state statutes and holds a CAM license. Originally from Rhode Island, Marlene relocated to South Florida 16 years ago and lives in Boca Raton with her husband, Arnold, and two dogs.

Top left: Nicole, Susan, Lynn, Andy (CFO), Marty, Wendy, Gale 

Bottom left: Peggy, Lois, Marlene (Accounting Mgr), Heather, Dan 

Chances are you've had the pleasure speaking to one of our Accounting Department Representatives. Now you can put a face to the name!

Over the years, Seacrest Services has served hundreds of South Florida properties, each with their own unique structure and needs. Since no one accounting system works for everyone, we customize your system to meet the specific requirements of your association. Our state-of-the-art technology gives you the information you need at the touch of a button while our skilled accounting team provides support and assistance.

Go to our website  or call 888-828-6464 for more information on our accounting and financial services.