
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Residents in the Southside community on Windsor Parke say they were sitting quietly in their homes and trying to avoid the strong windy conditions.
Libby Metlika says at her end of the street, when the winds stopped, she heard trees falling.
"They just missed the house and formed an arch near my car,"says Metlika.
Two trees, an Oak and a Palm fell across her driveway creating the arch. It was her neighbor who rang her doorbell to let her know what happened.
"It left me short of breath," says Metlika.
Jeronimo Garcia lives two houses from Metlika. He was at work when he received a call about his home. A tree had fell on his home.
"I have never experienced anything like this. This is very difficult," says Garcia.
Several miles away in the Arlington community Lisa Thomas was sitting in her home.
Thomas says," We heard this thud and said a limb has hit the roof."
It did and caused considerable damage. The ceiling caved in and the rafters are cracked.
Now the clean up and the claim process with their insurance companies begin.
The strong winds left a mess, but residents say they would rather deal with the inconvenience instead of a serious injury.
A Consumer Tip:
Now is the time to check your Renter's or Home Insurance policies.
Does it protect you from wind storm damage?
If you have to move while your property is being repaired, do you have sufficient allowable living expenses in your policy?
If there's tree damage try to hire a professional to remove the tree and debris. A professional should also be able to assess any damage to your other trees.
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Created: 4/14/2009 7:07:05 PM 



