http://www.smartsafetysolutions.com/home-safety/weather-safety/hurricane-safety/hurricane-rita/ Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Wilma 2005: Hurricane Rita en-us Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:26:45 EDT Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:26:45 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 Effects of Hurricane Rita Although not as bad as her big sister Katrina, Hurricane Rita still did her share of damage. Between both hurricanes (and possibly Wilma), the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the Caribbean have been terrorized this year. These three storms were a triple threat to anyone living in these regions. With winds in excess of 135 miles an hour, these storms definitely left their mark and set a record and broke a few for storms during a single season. Hurricane Rita seemed to be the most forgiving of the three, but even shed came through with a fury that caused casualties before her actual landfall. And with Wilma on the way, no one knows what will happen, especially to Florida, which -- unfortunately -- is at or below sea level. No one knows just how strong Florida is. Four hurricanes last year put the state to the test and it barely passed. Hurricane Rita was generous enough to avert most of the state. But she still did her damage elsewhere. Even though she was the little sister of Katrina, Hurricane Rita still did her job by causing fear and panic and mass confusion in parts of Texas and Louisiana. When it comes to hurricane preparedness, it does not matter if there is a clear path for these hurricanes, be ready and stay ahead of the game. It's better to set up your shutters and get your supplies and not need them, than to be left to fend off a brutal storm by yourself. Always be prepared and heed the warnings. Hurricane Rita was bad, but could have been a lot worse. There is no sense in taking the risk of losing lives because it is a "hassle" to get ready. Learn from our neighbors and do the right thing. Evacuate if need be, but at the very least, have your supplies ready. Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:26:45 EDT