Before the extent of the storm was known, I had e-mailed him early this week asking if he needed us to send anything down to him (life preservers, a boat, maybe some sponges and buckets). We were relieved to hear that they were safe, and the only thing they need is a carpenter. They now have a skylight and indoor pool (his words, not mine).
We are all thankful that they did not suffer the losses that so many others down there have.
In regards to the problems down south, I was horrified to hear some of my neighbors talking about it (the neighbors from hell). They were saying how this was going to be so good for businesses. From the things I've heard them talking about, it sounds like most of them work in construction related jobs. They were making comments along the lines of people who were previously unemployed should be able to find jobs now.
Personally, I think the unemployed would rather still be unemployed rather than be employed as a result of this disaster.