Anyone who doubts how big a risk Long Island and New York Citymight face should a major hurricane hit the vulnerable region needonly examine the extensive damage done when the relatively mildErnesto hit this past weekend.

There were trees and tree limbs down everywhere. Shingles were tornfrom homes and windows were shattered across the island. Powerlines were downwith some 40,000 people estimated to have lost theirelectricity. There was serious beach erosion in spots.

And Ernesto was just a tropical storm, with winds in this neckof the woods topping out at 55 miles-per-hour. Imagine if it hadbeen 100! Or 125!

Yet is doesnt appear that folks in the New York area are takingthe exposure very seriously. Many still reportedly lack federalflood insurance, when they are living on an island! And as for riskmanagement, I cant imagine how an evacuation would be pulled off,given the routine traffic congestions paralyzing the area.

Of course, New York City isnt alone in this regard. In fact,much of the countrys homeowners remain inexplicably oblivious aboutthis looming exposure, despite all the publicity followingHurricane Katrina. (Click here to check out our Web story, One-In-Four HomeownersClueless About Flood Coverage.)

Why is it that after all this time, so many homeowners are inthe dark about flood exposures? Are they in denial? Are theircarriers and agents failing to keep them properly informed? Whatelse can the government and industry do to alleviate thisproblem?

Im eager to hear your thoughts.