Kelli Barton

This is a photo of Hurricane Dean just passing 100 miles south of St. Croix last year! Our surf was about 6-10 feet and on the day I took this photo I was walking my dog on the beach to watch the waves. I wore my sunglasses to keep the salt spray out of my eyes. I couldn't keep my sunglasses clean of salt spray. Once we got back to the car, the car was covered with salt spray from the high surf as well.

I live in the tropics and understand the uncertainty these storms can bring. However, my native home is Texas and I understand many areas where I have family have been affected by the storms. The Bolivar Peninsula took a direct hit from Ike and I would like to hear from my fellow REALTORS there to see how you are doing. I spent many summers there in my family beach house and I've only heard through the news media about the devastation you suffered. Let us know if you evacuated and how the process went. Where did you go. What recommendations would you have for others in preparation for a storm.

I have been watching the weather closely this time of year, as I do each year at this time. It may be time for the leaves to start changing where you are, however, we are just over the peak of hurricane season down here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I would like to share with you a great weather site: www.wunderground.com. This site shows the graphics of the weather from Africa through the South Pacific. Click on this site and view any disturbances that are in the waters at this time. I watch this site daily and know how long I have to prepare for any disturbances I might be facing.

I would like to hear from the survivors of Ike in Texas, Cuba, Dominican Republic and other areas affected by the storm/hurricane. Share with us how you are doing and if you are in need of anything that we can assist you with.

Please share your survival tips along with something you feel can be useful to anyone living in a hurricane zone.

I have put together a few tips below for weathering the storms:

Keep tools handy for preparing the house. Hurricane shutters, tool kit for use in securing the house.

Before the winds start kicking up, remove everything that can cause damage by flying around ie) patio chairs, BBQ grills, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.

Just in case you have to go outside, keep a snorkle mask handy. It is very useful to wear when the winds and rain are blowing at high speeds. This will keep the salt water and water out of your eyes.

Trim your trees back to keep overgrown branches from breaking on your home or causing damage to vehicles parked around them.

Keep a survival kit in your car/home. This kit should include first aid kit, water, blankets, snacks and non electric can opener. A battery operated (wind up battery) NOAA radio with the weather station (you can purchase from Radio Shack or other electronic stores)

Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand so when the ATM's and Banks don't have power you still have money.

Fill your car up with gas and all gas containers.

Games, cards and plenty of books to keep the little ones entertained during the storm.

Food, juices, medicines, extra diapers for the babies.

Bleach, cleaners and plenty of paper towels, and regular towels for clean up.

Plenty of waterproof matches, candles, and batteries. Batteries of all sizes for all flashlights.

Bug spray

Buy a power inverter for your car so you can use appliances through your car ie: charge your laptop battery, etc. (These can be purchased at Office Max, electronic stores, etc.)

Fill propane bottles in preparation for cooking when your electric stove and/or appliances are not working. Bags of charcoal, lighter fluid, sterno cans for cooking.

Plenty of gas for the generator (remember the generator should be used outside where there is plenty of ventilation, and never used indoors)

Buy extra cell phone batteries and charge them before the storm.

Have a plan for your boat. Keep extra storm anchors and plenty of line and chain attached for use to secure the boat. Plenty of fenders and chafing gear for the lines. Be sure to check your insurance policy to make sure you have wind damage coverage. Please read the fine print of your insurance policies as they vary from company to company. Don't rely on anything that you hear...read it for yourself. I did, and this saved me a lot of money on my current insurance policy. It also saved me in case I ever have a claim due to a storm. I realized my deductible would double with wind storm damage and found another policy that had a lesser deductible that was more affordable with coverages in my area. Check out www.bluewaterinsurance.com for boat insurance or quotes.

Stock up on non-perishables, paper plates, disposable products (trash bags, plastic bags, plastic forks, knives)

Stock up on plenty of fresh water (about a gallon per person per day) Also keep a gallon of water near each toilet so you have water to flush the toilet with. If your generator is not working or you do not have a generator you will be limited in the power you have (ie: water pumps, water heaters, etc.)

Keep your prescription medication in the original containers and make sure they are filled for the next month or two.

Remember the pets, have plenty of food, medicines for the pets, and warm bedding. The pets become very anxious during bad weather and need to be kept indoors with you. Make sure they have a crate indoors to stay in as they are much safer inside.

Keep your id cards handy for insurance, along with emergency phone numbers and addresses for doctors, hospital, veterinarians, clergy and local red cross and salvation army.

Flashlights and plenty of batteries

Special items for babies and elderly.

Toiletries, wipes, moisturizers.

Clothing, rain gear, warm clothing and bedding, sturdy toe shoes.

Notify your next of kin in another state and let them know your plan of where you will be riding the storm out.

visit www.nhc.Noaa.gov for additional information.

Your information can help save lives. We are your community, let us know how we can assist you in this time of need.

My Passion is living life to the fullest!

WOW! Lobsters! Yes, just off the Fredericksted Pier. The snorkeling and diving is GREAT fun here! Fredericksted is on the West end of St. Croix thus known as "West is Best" for the beautiful, sandy beaches along with the wonderful people. We enjoy diving and snorkeling the pier (when the cruise ships are not in of course). We see needlefish, lobster, sea horses, barracuda, flounder, and numerous other caribbean creatures of the depths. This is a passion of mine, but what I enjoy more is:

Back in May, I worked with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Coast Guard, the Power Squadron, DPNR, St. Croix Rescue, and numerous other organizations to organize "Safe Boating Day" on the Fredericksted Pier. This event was a huge success. We promoted safe boating for everyone who came out for the day long event. We introduced safe boating practices to children, local fisherman and anyone interested. Over 100 children were given life jackets and were shown how to properly put them on, and to understand that children of certain ages must wear them when on a vessel/boat. We coordinated a mock SAR (Search and Rescue) with the U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter right off the pier. Then when the mock victim was brought to the pier, St. Croix Rescue took over and provided mock rescue techniques showing the crowd how the different organizations work together.

Define your passion, find your big WHY, and learn to live! There are many organizations in your community that need YOU! Who knows maybe I will see you out on the water and when I do, just give me a big HELLO.. I make the difference in many lives by making it my choice to help people! I continue training through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and will be learning SAR (Search and Rescue) very soon. Wish me luck in my endeavors as I wish you luck in finding yours!

Remember St. Croix when you are making your next travel plans... IT is beautiful year-round!

Location does play a significant role in the factor where affluent homeowners choose their dream home and real estate!

A recent real estate survey showed twenty-seven percent of the people surveyed responded that their dream home was on an island.

This survey revealed that about half of the affluent homeowners surveyed (48 percent) own at least one secondary residence. About 45 percent of these properties are located in beach areas. For those who are second home owners, more men than women polled the primary purpose of the residence was a retirement property (17 percent versus 8 percent).

As the seasons are starting to change on the mainland, please enjoy the Fall colors for me! I will enjoy the beautiful, sunny days here on St. Croix. When you've had it up to here with snow snoveling and you need a break, consider a trip to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands this Winter.

1031 Exchanges, Investment Opportunities, Second Homes, Resort Living....it is all right here on my beautiful island! I can't tell you how nice it is to have 365 days a year to plan outdoor activities! When you or your clients are ready for an escape, visit my website and let me know how I can assist you in your trip planning. www.KelliBarton.com and I look forward to talking with you...don't be surprised if you do hear the sounds of the Caribbean Sea in the background because I may just be having our conversation on a sail on my beautiful sailboat with my husband or taking a little break from work to dip my feet in the beautiful turquoise waters.

PROPERTY OF THE DAY: Price reduction on 3 bedroom 2 bath condo on the beach, priced at ONLY $115,000. This is a perfect setting for retirement, investment or just a winter get-a-way. St. Croix is full of snow birds who will be returning in the next couple of months from their wonderful Spring and Summer trips back to their homes on the mainland. The island comes to life around November and then in December for our Carnival. We celebrate more legal holidays here than anywhere else in the world!

H20 Beach Resort.....with hammock on the beach to return your work calls after lunch....