As 2012 comes to a close, Land O' Lakes Patch is taking a look back at the year that was. After the havok wreaked by Tropical Storm Debby, we caught up with the director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army, Kevin Smith.

Smith, a Land O' Lakes resident, said Debby gave Bay area residents a good guage of the type of devestation that would occur if a major hurricane directly hit the area.

“If you look at how Debby has impacted the Tampa Bay area, it’s very obvious that we would be in very big trouble,” he said.

Smith offered advice for preparedness he hopes all residents will heed before the next tropical storm season is upon us.

If you want to read the full version, you'll find it here: With Tropical Storm Debby as a Reference, There's 'No Excuse' Not to Be Prepared

Stay tuned for more highlights from 2012 in the coming days.