Thanks for sharing your home-places story Doc...
It is through such events and such shares that we learn. As with Andrew and Irene and seismic events over the years, there is understanding to be found in the aftermath that will help those in the future ride out similar events.
Such discussion should not only be floated by grad students manning air cannons in forest product labs, it should like you've fostered here, be happening in the building community.
Perhaps of interest - Some observations I'd made in the aftermath of another storm type.
http://bridgewright.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/well-founded-sticks-and-stones-and-service-life/ 
