Let's get to the important stuff first. Has anyone heard from HopeHoops or LynneSin?

[HopeHoops]

8. The high-power wires run through our yard and the substation is at a fairly low elevation.

If we lose power, it's usually because a transformer blew out (and we can hear the explosion from our house). Our local lines are underground but they are fed by a short run of telephone pole wires. We tend to stay up, but when we go down the UPS units keep the lamps, clocks, internet, and phones on. The laptops have their own batteries. We just try not to open the fridge very often and we've got a gas stove so I can light it with a match. We're well stocked on alkaline batteries (except 6v - everyone was out of them) and we're all carrying pocket flashlights. There's plenty of distilled water available, dog and cat food are fine, and we've got booze and wine. We should be fine as long as the house stays standing. The roof is less than a year old so I suspect it will be fine.

The township declared a state of emergency yesterday. No unnecessary travel and pretty much everything except emergency services is shut down, including schools. Although I did hear the mail truck come by. Shit. It's almost noon. I should probably rattle my middle daughter's cage, and my eldest's boyfriend's as well. How'd it get this late? The eldest and youngest daughters are elsewhere.