My next door neighbors have one any time a hurricane is scheduled to blow through. They clean up their yard, plywood their windows, get their supplies, then bring home a couple of kegs, invite friends over, and have a hurricane toga party during the storm. They sometimes run out in their togas to dance in the storm, too, even though the wind does blow them over (which is funny).
We do help each other out in this neighborhood, so they're always out after the storm's passed to help others gather up their roofs or lift fallen trees off cars and stuff. Typical Florida rednecks, but they're a great group to have around during hurricane season.
The Floridian philosophy about hurricanes is more relaxed than in other states, as we're used to such visitors showing up. We don't like it, but we get our preparations done and sit it out. Some have parties, some just keep themselves locked in, and others evacuate (depending on where you live). We understand it's not the size of the storm but the power of the winds and the rain that do the damage. We frequently laugh at reporters and forecasters trying to stir up panic when it's just a part of nature doing what it always has.
Use common sense, be prepared, keep calm, have a sense of humor, and you'll be fine. And serve all the hurricane rations for a party at the end of hurricane season.
