Don't Mess With Taxes

The Republican National Convention will be at least one day shorter thanks to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac.

Late this afternoon Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced that Monday's convention events are canceled. The group will get together to conduct business the on Tuesday, Aug. 28, afternoon ... Isaac willing.

As the National Hurricane Center graphic below shows, most of the state is expected to feel some effects from Isaac. The northeast, or upper right, quadrants of tropical storms typically are the strongest, which is part of the reason the Republican convention leaders decided to be safe rather than sorry. That section will, judging by the latest forecast, will at least skirt the Tampa area.

But you never know what tropical systems will do.

The hubby and I lived in Florida in 2004. That year, Florida became the first state in 118 years to be hit by four major hurricanes.

We were in northern Palm Beach County, which was landfall for Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. We thought we were going to escape with just minor damage and eight days of no power from Frances, but Jeanne did a 360 loop before coming ashore at almost the same place two weeks later. So our power was out again (just five days this time) and our screen pool cover and a couple of trees, all weakened by Frances, came tumbling down under Jeanne's winds.

Not too late to prepare: By now resident Floridians should have their hurricane plans in place. Just like the GOP visitors to the Sunshine State, they're probably calling off some events, especially in the keys and far South Florida.

But just in case they haven't got their emergency kits in order, I refer them -- and all y'all who have been putting off the task -- to the storm preparation advice I offered when Alberto popped up in mid-May off the South Carolina coast.

Remember, it's as important to get your finances in order as it is to have water and other disaster provisions on hand.

And just because you don't live in a hurricane zone, that's doesn't let you off the hook. Natural disasters -- tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires, blizzards, floods -- occur all over the United States and at all times of the year. Be ready.

You might find these previous posts of interest:

• Insurance tips for storm victims
• Financial and tax tips for storm season
• No escaping disasters, but tax help possible