Hurricane Irene

[EntAllat]

I've been watching the news with some concern. Living on the Gulf coast almost all my life, I've experienced several hurricanes and even seen my parents through one mandatory evacuation. We start prepping for hurricanes in July and August - there's tracking maps in the grocery stores and constant messages to be ready for one, so you really can't escape it. Even so it's easy to become complacent, and for the inexperienced to not understand just what a hurricane can do. I hope everybody heeds the warnings.

To our members on the east coast: I hope you don't see much damage. Stay safe! I know @ladyrainbow is in NC and @Honyebee's in PA. Anybody else?

[Glory1863]

Yesterday, Mr. Smith said his wife is still in North Carolina. He's obviously worried about her, even though she promised to keep herself safe for him. Their situation is just the pits! It's bad enough when you can be together for stuff like this, but when you can't and for no good reason - can we all say SUCKS?

[Honeybee]

I do hope Mrs. Smith makes out okay!

I'm in Philadelphia, and we are in the direct path, although inland.

I went to the grocery store and got bottled water - something I don't normally buy for green and economy reasons - as well as non perishable food, batteries and stuff like that.

What's interesting to me is how many people here don't get that even though we are inland, we're still going to have wind, rain and likely flooding. I've been trying to convince people all day to take this seriously. It would not surprise me at all if the rivers surged and went over their banks.

[bluetiger]

I also live in North Carolina. In 1989 hurricane Hugo devastated the area in which I lived. We were weeks getting power and water back. That gave us all a very healthy respect for the power of a hurricane. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will just side swipe us. Be well all my friends.

[Mr Smith]

I'm talking to Mrs Smith at the moment and the electricity keeps flickering, but I hope to stay in contact with her for as long as possible. She doesn't seem to be too worried, but I am, naturally, probably because I'm so far away.

[Honeybee]

I went through Hurricane Ivan all by myself - with my dog Max. I spent the say with a good friend, but we retired to our respective residences before the storm hit.

It was spooky - but I made it through fine.

[paulinem]

Well, I'm wishing everybody good luck! Keep your heads down and be safe!

[Aquarius]

Those of you in the affected areas--my thoughts are with you, my fingers are crossed. I know you're going to have your hands full, but if possible, please do us a favor and let us know you're alright when you get a chance.

That includes word about Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith.

[Brandyjane]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife, Mr. Smith.

What's interesting to me is how many people here don't get that even though we are inland, we're still going to have wind, rain and likely flooding. I've been trying to convince people all day to take this seriously. It would not surprise me at all if the rivers surged and went over their banks.

Yes! People need to know this! I live north of Houston, inland. After Hurricane Ike we had no power for two weeks because the wind tore down so many power lines. Even if you're in a "safe" place and don't feel like you have to evacuate, anyone near the path of one of these storms needs to take it seriously and needs to prepare by stocking up on water, non-perishable foods, batteries for flashlights and radio, etc. Those of us near the Gulf Coast know that. I just hope everyone in the path of Irene did, too.

[Honeybee]

Oh cool, Brandyjane! I grew up in a Northern suburb of Houston. My mom still lives there - she was without power after Ike for weeks too! My dad's nursing home is in Galveston, and they had to move for a full year.

And yes, as a Gulf Coaster - you know that the best case scenario is to over prepare.

I also recommend the book Isaac's Storm if you want to read about the biggest, deadliest Hurricane in US History. Galveston 1900.