Hurricane Irene: is this lady NUTS?!

[cassiesmom]

I'm hoping that Irene will be like Earl as far as a storm that turned out not as bad as anticipated. But I heard on the news that there are storm warnings and evacuations from North Carolina up to New Jersey. The Governor of North Carolina said to plan for the worst and pray for the best, so I'm praying for the best. I'm glad that the technology allows people to get loads of warning beforehand.

[pomtzu]

The governor here in Delaware has already declared a state of emergency, and this is done so that they may order mandatory evacuation in the most susceptible areas, such as right along the shore. This requires anyone who doesn't live there to leave, and strongly advises those that reside there to evacuate too, tho they can't make them go. However if they decide to stay, then they are pretty much on their own and probably won't be able to get help if they should need it. It also keeps the the thrill seekers and gawkers out of the area too, since they aren't allowed in, and there are roadblocks up all over.


So we're ready here for what Irene might dish out. Plenty of food that doesn't have to be cooked, plenty of water, juice and sodas, and of course ample dog and cat food! The house is all electric, but we could cook on the gas grill if necessary when the storm blows thru. We don't have a generator, so no way to get the pump running for the well - but we'll manage. The deep freeze in the garage has extra bags of ice and will keep cold for a long time as long as it isn't opened unnecessarily. The hurricane oil lamps are down and cleaned and we have plenty of lamp oil, and lots of flashlights. Most things outside have been secured, and we'll finish it up tonight. Now what we have to hope for, is that the tall pines along the property line that belong to our neighbor, don't come down on the garage - way too many expensive items in there - especially the Harley and lawn tractor. Those darn trees creek and groan and snap branches off, even on a moderately windy day. If the worst should happen, I hope he has good insurance or a big bank account!

Just about every time we prepare for a storm, it turns out that we didn't even need to. Sure hoping that's the case this time. We shall see!!!!

[pomtzu]

Ellie - have you got lots of pails - fill them up for flushing the toilet.

Get a generator for the next time. We have one - doesn't run the entire house, but we can have heat/AC, fridge, some lights, hot water and most important - the well will work

We have 3 full baths here, and always fill one bathtub up for general use such as this. Shoot - as often as we'd have the need for a generator, it would get rusty just sitting in the garage.

[lbaker]

I also agree with Pomtzu - the last hurricane (Isabell... aka Is-a-Bitc*) took down a HUGE oak tree in my front yard distroying 2 autos and all the power/cable/phone lines. Over reacting? I don't think so. I just hope I don't have to rename this one Is-Mean If you are along the coast even a strong Nor' Eastern can create serious damage.

Laurie