If you have a question about anything real estate related, have something to contribute or just need some information, let me know. I'll do my best to get right back to you. If the answer/information is not private, I'll post it here on my blog for all to read and comment on. Chances are, others have similar questions and will appreciate your inquiry or information.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

While it is looking like their biggest, this will hardly be the first "Events Center" (the modern term for "Arena") by Global Entertainment Corporation (GEC). With six already in operation, and two more opening soon (in addition to the one in Allen, TX), we should certainly benefit from GEC's years of experiance, and the multiple arena projects, that have come before ours. Here's a list of those in operation and those opening soon:

• Budweiser Center - Loveland, CO (Opened in 2003)
• Dodge Arena - Hidalgo, TX (2003)
• Chevrolet Centre - Youngstown, OH (2005)
• Santa Ana Star Center - Rio Rancho, NM (2006)
• Broomfield Events Center - Broomfield, CO (2006)
• Tim's Toyota Center - Prescott Valley, AZ (2006)
• Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center - Wenatchee, WA (Opening Fall 2008)
• Independence Events Center - Independence, MI (Opening Fall 2009)
• Allen, TX Events Center (opening Fall 2009) (naming rights yet to be sold)

Based on those already in operation, the Events Center will be very nice, impressive even. So, what type of entertainers and events can we expect at our fancy new Events Center? Lets take a look at some of the acts already performing at some of these arenas (above) to get an idea:

• Sugarland
• Rage in the Cage
• Black Eagle Pow Wow
• Michael Buble
• Dierks Bently
• George Jones
• 2008 Home & Garden Show
• Disney on Ice (High School Musical, Nemo, etc.)
• Sesame Street Live
• Avril Lavigne
• George Lopez
• Fall Out Boy with Plain White Tees
• Kid Rock
• Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus
• Cirque du Soleil

And here are a few possible future bookings they're working on for various arenas:

• Trans Siberian Orchestra
• Jonas Brothers
• My Chemical Romance
• Marilyn Manson
• Norah Jones
• Nelly Furtado
• Hary Conick Jr.
• Fergie
• Marc Antonia Solis

So, as you can see, they tend to book entertainment for young and old... and many different tastes. One thing is for sure, there's going to be a lot more excitement around here in the months and years to come... and that's not to mention all that will go on at the attached "second sheet of ice". Read more about this in a future post... Click on "RSS BlogFeed" on the right then "Learn more about feeds" or "Subscribe to this feed" to be kept in the loop.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

The other day I met with the Director of Sales for Global Entertainment Marketing Systems (GEMS), a subsidiary of Global Entertainment Corporation, and got some great information about the new arena they're building. If you're wondering what I'm talking about, you must not have heard about the new "Allen Events Center" in the works at The Village at Allen. That's right, the South-East corner of Stacy and 75/Central will be getting an 8,000+ seat arena along with the massive amounts of new shopping and such.

So what exactly will this "Events Center" be like, and what will it be used for? GEMS describes the Allen Events Center as a "state-of-the-art facility with first-class amenities, including luxury suites, premium seats, digital signage, audio systems, lounges, restaurants, and concessions." Examples of typical events includes something for just about every taste:

• Concerts, theatrical productions, symphonies
• Boxing, wrestling, basketball, hockey, arena football, soccer
• Family shows, circuses, "Disney on Ice," "Sesame Street Live"
• Motocross, monster trucks
• Trade shows, meetings, conferences
• Religious events, banquets, ceremonies, graduations, festivals
• Rodeo and equestrian events

While The Village at Allen and the Allen Events Center will be unique in several ways, this is hardly the first "Event Center" developed by Global Entertainment... and other such arenas have opened to great success. Check back as I'll be writing several more posts on the arena such as one giving a list of artists and events already booked into their arenas around the U.S. and a list of possible future bookings.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I had heard rumors, but I couldn't believe it 'till I saw it with my own eyes. Could it be... an "adult" restaurant/bar in this kid-friendly city? Yes, the city I live in, the city I love, Allen, TX has developed as a predominantly "family oriented" city. We've got Chili's and Bennigan's, IHOP and Mimi's, a host of fast-food chains and even a Chuck E. Cheese... but there's not one place I know of that opens just for happy hour and dinner... a place for grown-ups, where you wouldn't really feel comfortable taking the kids. Not that there's anything wrong with family places... Allen is a fantastic city and, since I just got married, I'll probably love it even more in a couple of years when I have kids... there just aren't many places to go if you want to get away from all the kids. And I've heard that sometimes even parents need a night out, sans kiddos. I seem to recall hearing that from my parents, but I digress... Anyway, a new vibe has been beginning to emanate from the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms development. I just couldn't be sure of it until Restaurant Works, Inc. decided to help break the "family" restaurant mold in Allen. They're helping further define the slightly hip, younger, urban-esque vibe of Watters Creek with their recent opening of Crú, A Wine Bar. You might recognize the name as there is a Crú down in the trendy West Village of Dallas, and one in the sheik Shops at Legacy in Plano (not to mention locations in Houston, Austin and even Denver, CO). This fits right in line with the "urban lofts" they are planning to sell for living in Watters Creek. Fear not though families of Allen, this city will always be a great place to raise a family... it's just nice to see a place for those without kids (even if they are just without for the evening). So, my wife and I can't wait to go grab a couple of glasses of wine at Crú with some of our friends... they just asked that I please advertise on my blog for a great babysitter.  :-)

For those that haven't checked out the "Street View" on Google maps, you have got to check out this cool, realatively new, feature. It allows you to see things from the street as though you were driving by. While recent years have brought satellite images of better quality, these don't really help when it comes to giving "landmark" style directions or checking out what an area really looks like as you drive through it. Well, leave it to Google to come up with a fantastic new feature that fixes this problem.

Satellite View - Cool and useful, but what does it look like if I'm trying to drive there?

Steet View - So that's what I'm looking for...

Ok, maybe you could figure out that you were at the Ballpark in Arlington without needing to see the street view, but you get the point. External, street-level views of houses, businesses, restaurants and more. You can even click on arrows to move up and down the street as though you were driving and pan 360 degrees around your location or look up or down! The only complaint I have is that much of Collin County is not available yet. Lets keep our fingers crossed that they're out taking photos on Collin County streets as I'm writing this.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Dallas-based shopping center developer The MGHerring Group has now announced lineup for the first two phases of The Village at Allen (SE corner of Stacy Rd. and 75-Central). Beginning in October you will start to see anchor stores like Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us. Other tenants are said to include Chase Bank, Cheddars, Cold Stone Creamery, Mattress Giant, Men's Wearhouse, Nate's Seafood, Olive Garden, Sleep Experts, Starbucks, Uncle Julio's, Vitamin Shoppe and Which Wich.

The second phase is slated to open in March of 2009. There you'll be able to shop at stores like Petsmart, Hemispheres, Anderson's Furniture, Chair King, Famous Footwear, GameStop and Ritz Camera. That's not to mention the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel with an adjoining 35,000 sq.ft. conference center.

Finally, in a coming blog post, I'll write about the new arena or "Allen Event Center" scheduled to open in The Village at Allen in October of 2009. It will bring all kinds of entertainment to the area including internationally famous acts, family shows, sporting events and more. Stay tuned and keep coming back to keep up with what's going on in Collin County.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I recently ran across a VERY cool financial planning/budgeting tool and thought I would share it with you. It paints a very clear picture of your finances and the best part is that it is FREE and online! There's nothing to download, update, etc. and your data is available anywhere with internet! I've been playing with it for several days now and, basically, it goes out whenever you log-in and pulls data from your checking and savings accounts, your credit cards, your investment accounts and more. Then, it makes the data all easy to see, either as individual accounts or combining all of your accounts/transactions into one view. It further breaks all of the transactions down into categories and even charts your spending! Have you ever wondered how much you spend at coffee shops or on gas? How about on fast food or shopping? This tool will tell you... Have you ever wondered if there were better credit cards with better interest rates and/or reawrds? This tool will tell you that too... Have you ever wondered if there were checking or savings accounts where you could make more interest on your money? This tool will tell you!!! Then it gets even cooler... you can see how your spending in any of the categories compares, on average, to other users in most major cities. You just pick the city and the spending category and it shows your spending in that category versus the selected city's average for that category (completely anomously). I can't say enough about this tool, it actually made starting a budget easy! In fact, it set-up a budget automatically based on my spending habits, income, or some magic formula. I just entered a few bits of account info, and presto... my transactions were imported and my budger created. Now all I have to do is monitor my budget over the next few weeks and months and adjust. It couldn't be easier; check it out at www.Mint.com. You won't be sorry...

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com 

This handy little list will give you a good idea about the number of years you can typically expect various appliances, systems and constructions in/around your home to last. The data was compiled by a comprehensive survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers. Of course, life expectancy of any of these items will vary greatly depending on quality of materials, installation, maintenance, environmental factors and use.

   Appliances/Systems - Years
Gas furnace - 12-15
Heat pump - 12-15
Central air conditioning - 12-15
Pumps, sumps and well - 10
Dishwashers - 10
Microwave - 11
Gas range - 12-15
Electric range - 12-15
Garage Door Opener - 10
Electric water heater - 8-10
Gas water heater - 8-10
Washer - 10-12
Dryer - 10-12
Refrigerator - 12-15

   Construction - Years
Waterproofing sealer - 1-5
Waterproofing silicone - 1-5
Waterproofing waxes - 1-5
Wall and trim paint - 5-10
Exterior paint - 7-10
Wallpaper - 7
Carpet - 11
Plastic ducts - 15
Wood decks - 15
Swimming pool - 18
Gravel walk - 4
Concrete walk - 24
Asphalt shingle roof - 15-30
Shake roof - 15-30
Slate roof - 50-100
Gutters - 30
Vinyl siding - 50
Aluminum siding - 20-50
Woodsiding - 10-100
Drywall - 30-70
Concrete block foundation - 100
Poured concrete foundation - 200
Fiberglass tub - 10-15
Ceramic tile countertop - 10-15
Laminated countertop - 10-15
Galvanized ducts - 30

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com 

As I've been telling anyone who will listen over the past 8 months, some cities are not drowning in falling home prices and/or rising unemployment. The "mortgage meltdown" 2007 didn't crush the real estate market nationwide. Despite the national trends, several major markets are doing just fine.

To identify the healthiest real estate markets, Forbes magazine recently examined the country’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. The magazine studied key factors such as unemployment and job-growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home price data from the National Association of REALTORS®, and information on gross metropolitan product growth provided by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. After all that research, what did they find? They were able to compile a list of 10 cities that Forbes sees as "practically recession-proof". They are listed below along with the percentage of growth for median-priced homes in the past year.

Oklahoma City, Okla. Median home price: +8.2 percent
San Antonio, Texas +7.9 percent
Austin, Texas +6.4 percent
San Jose, Calif. +11.2 percent
Raleigh, N.C. +4 percent
Salt Lake City, Utah +2.5 percent
Houston, Texas +1.1 percent
Seattle, Wash. +1.2 percent
Charlotte, N.C. +3.3 percent
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas +.5 percent

Notice a trend? That's right... Texas is quite obviously the "most recession proof" state with 40% of the nation's top 10 metro areas (North Carolina is the only other state with more than one city on the list). I've heard experts say that that this is due to our state's low unemployment and continually high job growth (thanks in large part to the rebound of the tech sector). So, Texas is still the place for low, stable home prices with slow & steady gains. It's a fantastic place to be buying or selling real estate!

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com 

I hope that helps save a few foundations...

I got this email from a builder (Grand Homes) because of my industry involvement (seems like I'm on just about every builder's email list). I'm not endorsing this "sale" as I don't know what it will really be like. However, I thought many of my readers might like to know about it just the same... Please post a comment (below) to let us know about your experience if you have been to one of these in the past, or if you go to this one (i.e. What was it like? Were there deals or was it junk? Was it Grand Homes or another builder? Etc.).
---
Grand Homes Model Home Furniture and Accessory Sale!

Ever wanted your home to look like a Model Home? Here's your chance...

Special pre-sale date for Realtors + your clients, friends and family!
Thursday, May 15, 9am til 5pm

Open to the Public. Next weekend only! Furniture, rugs, bedroom sets, pool tables, art, tapestries, breakfast and dining tables, lots of chairs, large glass tables with pedestals and accessories up to 75% off. Cash and Carry Only - All Sales Final! Open to the public:
Friday, May 16 from 9am til 6pm  
Saturday May 17 from 9am til 6pm  
Sunday May 18 from 10am til 3pm

Location: 2801 Technology Dr., Suite 101, Plano, TX 75074
Driving Directions: Take George Bush (190) to Jupiter (1 exit east of 75). North on Jupiter, Right on Technology, Left at Suite 101.

Invite your Friends and Family!
**Arrive early! There will be a line to get in.
Cash and Carry, All sales final! No refunds, returns or exchanges.
---
Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com 

Real Estate Agents sell homes (well, the good ones do anyway); and to help sell homes, we take pictures of them... inside and out, high and low, this room and that room, front yard and back... all so potential Buyers can see these pictures, which will help them decide if they want to take an actual tour of the home. To take the best pictures, we turn lights on (or off), use our camera's flash, some Agents will climb up on furniture or counters, others will crouch down under a shelf or stairs, some even hire professional photographers (who bring-in additional lighting and know all kinds of tricks) to take the best possible pictures and show the homes in their best light (pun intended). I always felt that there were some Agents that seemed to go to extraordinary lengths to get great shots that showed homes in a manner that they deemed most enticing to potential Buyers... little did I know how far they'd go.

I was on an airplane to (or from, I can't remember) a real estate convention when I recall hearing about Agents editing photos for the first time. I heard one Agent say to another, that they often adjusted the contrast on photos to make darker pictures appear lighter (or vice-versa). "Ok" I thought, this was normal, nothing too out of the ordinary here (I've done it). After all, who hasn't taken a picture, only to discover later that the flash didn't go off, and had a need to lighten up the contrast (or, conversely, darken an overexposed picture taken in the sunlight). After all, this is not much different than if you had used the flash in the first place to brighten a room. Then, I heard a different Agent mention that they had used Photoshop to "green-up" grass that was still pale from the winter or "blue" the sky in a pic. taken on a cloudy/overcast day. "Hmmm" I thought, "that seems a little strange, but I guess it's not much different than taking the shots a few days or weeks later (when the grass would be greener and the sky more blue)." Something didn't sit right with me on this though, the more I thought, the more it bugged me... then I about lost my lunch when I heard an Agent say that, yes, they had edited photos too... that they would never display pictures with power lines or a water tower in them, so they had "photo-shopped" these items out of pictures before. My stomach turned at this thought and I believed that this was certainly crossing the line ethically.

At a later date, I asked a few agents about this practice and one said that, while they felt that it was wrong, it wasn't much different than if the "editing Agent" had returned to the property and taken the shots from a slightly more favorable angle (so as not to show the power lines, water tower, or whatever). He then said that "photo-shopping" items out of pictures (or adjusting colors of grass, sky, etc.) was not terribly different than turning the lights on or off, using a flash, or standing on a chair or counter, to get the best possible shot... that it was all manipulation of what people would see when they came to the property and saw it in normal lighting, from normal angles.

On a related note, I've heard of MLS providers and real estate boards disallowing and demanding removal of "edited pictures." However, I've only heard of them demanding removal of the blatantly edited (i.e. where the Agent had added his contact information, or his picture, to the shot). I can't remember if they demanded removal of the one I saw where an Agent had combined four images into each picture (like placing four pictures in a square and taking a photo of it... theoretically giving him room for forty pics. in the MLS instead of ten). Is this over the line or just ingenuity?

Ultimately, I thought I was OK since I had not edited pictures beyond occasionally adjusting the contrast of a shot where the flash didn't activate... but wait, is using a flash falsely lighting the home? Then, I have also stitched multiple photos together into a panoramic shot (similar to taking a pic. with a wide-angle lens... see below). Am I wrong for doing this? I just thought I was helping the Buyers better grasp the layout of the home and the Sellers to better display it. I hold my moral standards very high and believe that, to many, Real Estate Agents already have a bad name (look at anytime we're portrayed on TV shows or commercials). So, I would never want to exacerbate the stereotype, much less do anything unethical. However, I'm curious to know what my readers, both Agents and home Buyers/Sellers, feel about the practice of editing photos. Where should we draw the line and what is acceptable vs. unacceptable? After you've thought about your response, put yourself into one of the other shoes (Agent, Buyer or Seller)... does this change your opinion? I ask this because I've heard Buyers say that they don't want to be deceived with edited photos or inaccurate property descriptions, but then turn around as Sellers and ask that the pictures or description of their home be sugar-coated as much as possible. Speak up and let me know your thoughts...

Stitching a panoramic picture to give a better feel for the actual floor plan/layout of a home:

VS.

Collin County residents will soon have just what they need: more shopping!  Two retail centers being constructed on U.S. Highway 75 in Allen will add over 1 million square feet of stores. If two new shopping centers, with over a million square feet of new stores, don't prove we're in a recession, I don't know what does.  :-)

Ok, seriously... A large part of the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm shopping center (located on the south-west corner of Bethany and 75) is said to be less than a month away from opening its doors. Two restaurants and a Market Street grocer have already opened to much success (I love P.F. Changs and I'll be trying out the Brio Tuscan Grille tomorrow). Just three miles north, on the east side of U.S. 75 at Stacy Road, the Village at Allen and the Village at Fairview will open this fall with their own strong lineup of major retailers.

Encouraged into Allen, at least in part, by the Allen Economic Development Corporation, these projects are expected to have a major impact on the community while each having their own unique mix of retail tenants. They should not only make Allen a shopping mecca, but also bring many additional jobs, and dollars, (not to mention shoppers) into the community.

The quarter of a billion dollar (yes billion, with a "B") Watters Creek project has been in the works for three years and is finally slated to open in May. It will be the kind of urban, mixed-use development that you may recognize from Uptown, Southlake or Plano's "Shops at Legacy." The first phase of the project has tons of retail space as well as some apartments and office space. Again, no signs of a recession as the retail is already 80% leased and will be home to over 25 restaurants and stores. While landscapers are busy planting and preparing the project's greenbelt and ponds for guests, tenants like The Cheesecake Factory, Borders, Banana Republic, Sephora, Chico's, Ann Taylor Loft and Eddie Bauer are scrambling to get their shops ready too.

A very QUICK drive up the road, Dallas-based MGHerring Group is building the Village at Allen shopping center and the Village at Fairview retail and mixed-use development. The first phase of the Village at Allen, which is scheduled to open on the south-east corner of Stacy and 75 in October, will add another 300,000 square feet of retail to the city. A second phase, set for next spring, will add another 400,000. The Village at Fairview, on the north side of Stacy Road, will add more than 2 million square feet of retail, residential and more... it should start opening around August 2009.

The pre-fab, tilt-wall construction is supposed to go up very quickly and should make the shopping center ready to open in under six months. Tenants at the Village at Allen are said to include Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, Toys R Us, Chase Bank, Cheddars, Cold Stone Creamery, Mattress Giant, Men's Wearhouse, Nate's Seafood, Olive Garden, Sleep Experts and (what would life be without another) Starbucks. The second phase of retail development that's set for next March should include a Super Target, PetSmart, Hemispheres, Anderson's Furniture, Chair King, Famous Footwear, GameStop and Ritz Camera. (I can't tell you how excited my wife is that we're finally getting a Super Target.)

The Village at Allen will also include a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel with a conference center... and on a related note, have you seen the La Quinta they're building at Exchange and 75? I guess we have to have SOMEplace to put all the shoppers and conference-goers that will be visiting Allen. :-) Finally, the City of Allen will put an event center with over 6,000 seats in the Village at Allen for ice hockey and possibly concerts and a general entertainment venue.

The Village at Allen and Village at Fairview should nicely compliment an already booming Allen Premium Outlets shopping center (perfect for those who just can't get enough shopping). While my wife LOVES to shop, my love for shopping extends about this far: if I can figure out where they're building the Kwik-E-Mart among all this maddness (to stop for a Squishee) I'll be all set... oh wait, I don't shop, I was just watching an episode of a favorite show.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

What: WATTERS CREEK JOB FAIR
When: TUESDAY, MAY 6TH FROM 9AM TO 6PM
Why: FOR THE UPCOMING "GRAND OPENING" OF WATTERS CREEK MERCHANTS
   IN ALLEN, TEXAS (you know, the new development at Bethany & 75)
Where: ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS & CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS AT:
   HAMPTON INN & SUITES
   830 WEST STACY ROAD
   ALLEN, TEXAS 75013
   (EXIT 37 FROM 75N / SOUTH SIDE OF ALLEN PREMIUM OUTLETS)
   214.495.7667 / www.hamptoninn.com
Who: List of Merchants attending "Job Fair":
   Ann Taylor Loft, Bath & Body Works, Jos. A. Bank, New York & Co., Sephora,
   Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Vera Bradley, Victoria's Secret & Others
For more information please contact:
   Allen Chamber of Commerce
   (972) 727.5585 or www.allenchamber.com
(Watters Creek is a Smoke-Free Environment)
---
Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

The City of Allen sent out the fact sheet (below) about their Outdoor Warning Sirens the day after the storm/tornado. I'm sure it was available prior to then, but nobody cared about it BEFORE the storm hit. Be sure to review it and, as it suggests, get a weather radio with battery backup. Because you should change batteries every six months, the fire department suggests your replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every time change (when you "spring forward" and again when you "fall back"). I would reccomend including your flashlight and weather radio in this practice.
---The City of Allen Outdoor Warning System consists of 13 sirens placed strategically throughout the City. The sirens may be activated individually or in groups to provide localized warnings. They may also be activated simultaneously to provide a general alert for the entire community.   WHEN WARNING SIRENS SOUND (FOR AN EMERGENCY): The system is capable of complete diagnostic testing without disturbing the public. The system computer checks the siren speakers, amplifiers and other components constantly and reports any malfunctions to the system manager.

OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS

The Outdoor Warning System makes use of several different and unique tones to alert residents, who may be outside, to the imminent approach of severe weather and other emergencies that require immediate notification. This system is a part of an emergency network designed to provide for the safety of our citizens. The system is designed for outdoor warning and may not be heard inside a residence, depending on proximity to a siren location. Residents are reminded to use a weather radio with battery backup during times of severe weather.

You may view the [City of Allen] siren site locations by linking to http://charlotte.utdallas.edu/allen/downloadmaps/OutdoorWarningSirens.pdf

• GO TO YOUR SHELTER & TUNE to Local Radio, Television, or N.O.A.A. Weather Radio (162.400 MHz) for more information. Have a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-powered receiver ready.
• A TORNADO is developing or has been spotted either visually or on radar
• SUSTAINED WINDS OF 70 MPH or higher are occurring
• A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS incident or other emergency is occurring
• A NATIONAL EMERGENCY (Enemy Attack) has been declared

DO NOT:

• CALL 911 - except to report an emergency
• IGNORE THE WARNING

SIREN TESTING:

EMERGENCY PLANNING: Visit the Allen Fire Department web site at http://www.cityofallen.org/fire/pubed.htm for links to Homeland Security, Severe Weather and other emergency planning information.

---

What are your thoughts on warning sirens? Did you hear them on the morning of the 10th? Did you have a weather radio (and how did it work)? How long was your power out? I think we all take for granted power, television, computers and the internet. I know I felt rather helpless with no weather radio. Since power was out, I had no TV, no computer/internet, and was trying to browse the web on my cell phone for weather info. Does this sound like you? Share your story with a post...