Preparing for Irene... (buying, live, cost)

[michgc]

We bought a generator after Hurricane Isabel. We were without power for about a dozen hours or so. So our sump pump stopped working and our basement flooded. We now have a battery backup and a generator. My nieghbors on the other side of Vienna were without power for 2 1/2 days during that storm. They ended up sleeping at our house because we went to PA for the weekend.

I filled two pitchers with drinking water and bought two more gallons at the store today, just in case. I also bought some milk, but we were nearly out of that. Other than that, we'll probably find where our flashlights and extra batteries are, make sure we have gas for our generator and wait for Irene to hit. :-)

[Caladium]

The only preparation I would recommend would be cleaning gutters and pruning any limbs that you might think are worrisome. Oh, and get some DVDs from the library or a good book to read.

[ersatz]

Opt for the book.

DVDs aren't much good if the power is out.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by ersatz

Opt for the book.

DVDs aren't much good if the power is out.

Or if you don't have very big batteries in your laptop or whatever.

[jillabean]

I lost power during hurricane Isabel too... but for 3 days. Luckily a friend invited me over to shower and eat hot food by day 2.

I prepared by doing my weekly grocery shopping tonight (usually I go on Sunday morning). I also didn't buy a lot of perishables. So next week I will be eating a lot of soup, dishes made with beans, cereal bars for breakfast, and fresh fruit and veggies. I also bought some shelf milk for my daughter to drink. I topped off my gas tank and took out some cash for spending money.

I have an emergency kit too (with all the NOAA advised essentials in it). But I don't think I will need that. I also have lots of camping gear (so I am set on battery powered lanterns and such).

Before the storm I will take in my patio furniture and put my garbage can in the garage. Other than that, I will just wait it out. If I lose power, I have tons of books to read, games to play, and naps to take.

Some people I know think I am being silly. But I am originally from a coastal area and have seen my fair share of hurricanes and what they can do. Gloria and Hugo were the worst I remember. I rather be over prepared and people think I am foolish than under-prepared any day of the week.

[ICS67]

Originally Posted by jillabean

I lost power during hurricane Isabel too... but for 3 days. Luckily a friend invited me over to shower and eat hot food by day 2.

I prepared by doing my weekly grocery shopping tonight (usually I go on Sunday morning). I also didn't buy a lot of perishables. So next week I will be eating a lot of soup, dishes made with beans, cereal bars for breakfast, and fresh fruit and veggies. I also bought some shelf milk for my daughter to drink. I topped off my gas tank and took out some cash for spending money.

I have an emergency kit too (with all the NOAA advised essentials in it). But I don't think I will need that. I also have lots of camping gear (so I am set on battery powered lanterns and such).

Before the storm I will take in my patio furniture and put my garbage can in the garage. Other than that, I will just wait it out. If I lose power, I have tons of books to read, games to play, and naps to take.

Some people I know think I am being silly. But I am originally from a coastal area and have seen my fair share of hurricanes and what they can do. Gloria and Hugo were the worst I remember. I rather be over prepared and people think I am foolish than under-prepared any day of the week.

You are not being silly at all. The mantra in emergency preparedness (as has been drilled into Californians' heads with regards to earthquakes) is be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a major disaster strikes, as emergency services will be overwhelmed.

I also lost power for three days after Isabel hit in 2003. Luckily the weather wasn't too hot, since it was mid-September, so not having electricity was more an inconvenience than anything else. But being in August, I'm not so sanguine this time around about how comfortable we'll be if the power goes out for an extended period.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by michgc

Better the locusts than the lice. Yuck.

. . . or boils.

[South Jersey Styx]

My family is up in NJ and they are taking it very seriously. The governor has ordered a mandatory evacuation in Cape May County (southernmost county) and residents are to leave by 1:00pm tomorrow. Even NYC is bracing for Irene --they are expecting a Category 1 or 2.

I think Ocean City, MD also has a mandatory evacuation. Anyone hear anything?

[SmartMoney]

We took an 80 foot oak thru the livingroom ceiling in Isabel and went without power for 4 days. Isabel stayed a cat 5 for over a day, but not over land. When we finally fell asleep, we woke up to a war zone.

It's a fevered pitch out there........almost like Christmas without the carols. Presents are everywhere......."look what I got you."

[DownEastB]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

My family is up in NJ and they are taking it very seriously. The governor has ordered a mandatory evacuation in Cape May County (southernmost county) and residents are to leave by 1:00pm tomorrow. Even NYC is bracing for Irene --they are expecting a Category 1 or 2.

I think Ocean City, MD also has a mandatory evacuation. Anyone hear anything?

Yes, as of 5PM tomorrow Ocean City will be shut down and evacuated. I also heard that the mayor ordered a ban on alcohol sales after midnight as well. Guess that's one way to get folks on the road!