Hurricane season is a scary time and as Ike roughs up everything in its path, it becomes obvious that this particular hurricane may have the last name Turner. While Cuba knew it was in for some bad weather, no one expected Ike to be this brutal. Having killed at least four people and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1.2 million, it is clearly devastating. Next in Ike’s path are Texas and Northern Mexico.

Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro put his country on “combat alert” against the third killer storm to come their way in the past few weeks. And for those folks with personal businesses at stake, please review the force majeure clauses in signed legal agreements to best understand your rights regarding the steps you must take to pick up the pieces.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hurricane Fay is making headlines as it ferociously barreled through the Dominican Republic, killing four people, and roughly seven people were killed by the storm in Haiti. And when a bus overturned while trying to cross a flooded river, reported the Associated Press, 30 people on the bus were feared dead.

Cuba is in the biggest danger as the storm is predicated to bring as much as 12 inches to parts of the islands and as much as 10 inches of rain were forecast for the Keys and south Florida. As it roughs up the Keys, Naples and Tampa Bay are tomorrow’s victims, packing winds of at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour.

“Late tonight or tomorrow, we should see it strengthen to hurricane status,” said Jim Rouiller, a senior energy meteorologist with Planalytics Inc. in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

After Hurricane Katrina, these feisty rain storms are taken very seriously. Hurricanes equal devastation. People lose their homes, personal belongings, businesses, and even their lives. That is why it is important for everyday citizens who have lost something (a home or business) due to the storm to protect their rights and seek legal advice immediately.

Business-wise, agreements such as a merger agreement have stipulations regarding hurricanes. Although natural disasters are tragic, there are proactive things that you can do to better protect yourself. Another huge concern is the damage it causes to homes and other property. Insurance companies have been known to deny or delay claims resulting in this type of destruction, however, attorneys who specialize in fighting insurance companies can help.

Let’s face it, hurricanes are like roller coaster rides that leave you feeling dizzy and sick but by educating yourself, the aftermath won’t be as bad. After all, that old cliché line is true: Knowledge IS power and when it comes to your home or business, there are resources such as legal agreements with force majeure clauses (”greater force”) out there designed to protect you.

Popularity: 6% [?]