PSA for the East Coast

[nadinbrzezinski]

Irene looks bad, if you need to get out, get out.

But chiefly turn in to your LOCAL nooz sources. Oh and since it looks like it will affect areas rarely affected...NYC comes to mind...if you have not done so...stock up.

[Harmony Blue]

1. Water is the #1 priority to stock up on

Very, very important.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Water, food, radio

In that order.

And for at least three days

If you need meds right by the water actually.

[RKP5637]

11. Good advice, often people not used to this stuff take water for granted, and

also about the meds, etc. I wonder how much of the underground electrical is not really protected much against flooding. I've lived places that even where protected we lost power during just really heavy rains. Also probably a good time to avoid elevators for awhile if possible.

Someone just told me there's another hurricane warning building out in the Atlantic someplace.

[nadinbrzezinski]

18. Especially in areas that have not really been hit in a few decades

[TBF]

24. We always have massive power outages down here -

most of our wires are not underground because we are below sea level. During Ike our neighborhood was lucky and came back on line in a week, and we were an early one. Others were out for several weeks.

Flooding and loss of electricity would be my concern for many on the coast. We are about 25 miles from the coast here in the south Houston suburbs, and in a mandatory evacuation zone. We leave - it's just not worth the headaches (especially with kids).

[MissDeeds]

84. And lots of batteries for those radios!

[meegbear]

2. Get your booze and smokes now ...

you'll thank yourself later.

[MineralMan]

5. Absolutely. Important stuff first, every time.

:rofl:

[meegbear]

30. The bar is stocked and the humidor is full ...

I'm ready.

[MineralMan]

34. Well, just in case, I'm heading for the Jiffy Mart for emergency

supplies of Cheetos™ and Slim Jims™. Might as well pick up some batteries, too, and maybe a couple of magazines to while away the time.

[petronius]

19. And charcoal, so you can grill up all the defrosting burgers and shrimp

and whatnot in the freezer after the power goes out... :)

[hifiguy]

Liquor store first for beer/booze/ice

Then the grocery store - for pete's sake remember the bottled water and charcoal if you have a grill - then batten down the hatches. That's what we did the day before Gloria was supposed to hit Boston in '85 back when I was in law school. The storm blew itself out over Lawn Guyland but the entire university was closed that Friday. The beer, burgers and hot dogs were all put to good use partying all day.

[elleng]

46. LOVE Lawn Guyland!!!

Grew up there; gone since college, so don't remember Gloria, but do recall couple H.S. days off due to SOME storm.

[Bonhomme Richard]

39. +1 n/t

[MissDeeds]

87. We live in tornado alley

First thing I grab when the sirens go off is a good bottle of wine, then head for the lower decks.

Hope all DUers on the east coast will take care and be safe! Keep us posted!

:toast: :grouphug:

[meegbear]

98. +1

[MineralMan]

3. What are the odds that any East Coaster who is on DU isn't

already following the local news on this storm? I'd think everyone on DU is already keeping an eye on the news. :shrug:

[pintobean]

7. Some people just can't

do anything until they are prompted by the self anointed. I might be wrong.

[dixiegrrrrl]

13. I never over estimate the number of people that I "think" would do what I would do.

No need to be a thread killer here.

[MineralMan]

23. And I never underestimate the intelligence of DUers when it comes

to their own recognition of things that are happening near them. I mean, there have been many threads on this storm and its potential dangers already here. I have no doubt that DUers in the danger areas already are aware of the risks and will be monitoring local sources for accurate information and advice. Seriously.

[nadinbrzezinski]

38. May I suggest the ingore thread if this bothers you so much?

Serious.

In the best meaning possible.

See INGORE THREAD will make your life that much more enjoyable.

[MineralMan]

42. You may suggest anything you choose.

I was already aware of the Hide Thread option, thanks. As for what makes my life more enjoyable, I find that I'm more than capable of deciding that for myself, thanks.

Serious.

[nadinbrzezinski]

45. Then why complaint when you open a thread

you obviously do not enjoy?

here,



Or perhaps this... will be more enjoyable?



Have a good day...

[elleng]

40. Logical assumption, MM, but you know that not all DUers ARE logical!

:hi:

[Chorophyll]

48. Can't speak for the whole east coast, but

we here in the New York City area rarely glance at the news. It's not like we're a big media center or anything. ;)

[MineralMan]

62. I know. No local TV stations or radio. What a desert for news!

Still, people should be able to get some information locally, even there.... :rofl:

[chrisa]

54. Well, it's a discussion forum. We're here to discuss-iate schtuff

:beer:

[PufPuf23]

77. One could wager that many old and young or otherwise distracted

from media may be neighbors, friends, family, etc of DUers.

The availability and content of "local" news is irregular in rural and remote areas.

[nadinbrzezinski]

85. They still have news in rural or remote areas?

On a serious note that is an actual issue with consolidation. The famous story of a train wreck with a hazmat situation and the local station that had canned programing from Houston that the cops had to break in to transmit info is the anecdotal most famous one.

[TBF]

6. Here is a good thread from earlier today if you are going to batten the hatches and ride it out -

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1811229

There is a lot to do to prepare - water and non-perishable food is part of it. I'd suggest looking at that thread for some great tips.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Yep, just kicked and recced that one

[Harmony Blue]

22. Who are the ninja unrecers for this thread

Show yourselves! This is very serious! :(

[pintobean]

25. Tell us why it's great

I want an explanation from the "ninja" reccers.
How does it outshine the other 20 threads on the subject? It's nothing more than redundant.

[MineralMan]

29. +10

[TBF]

26. That's the weird thing about hurricanes. I know some folks think TWC

hypes up these events for ratings, and maybe they do, but it's still serious stuff. Obviously it's frustrating to not know if it will hit, but by the time you know it will be too late. So, given the models I would prepare. At the very least clean up your yard and get some gallons of water and maybe some batteries from the store, and then pray it goes out to sea.

[nadinbrzezinski]

33. I post they will unrec

they are children, go ahead unrec to your heart's content...

It really matters little if I posted about the color of the sky or cute kittens, they will unrec, that's what they do.

Though I am a liberal user or the alert button... for those who do post personal attacks.

:-)

I stopped engaging them a while back... it can't be done.

[pintobean]

36. It's not about you.

It's the content, or lack of content. I've told you that before. I rec your threads when they deserve it. It's easier for you to demonize and attack, rather than admit that you mostly post non-great stuff.

[smokey nj]

59. Non-great is putting it kindly.

[pintobean]

61. It was a struggle

Many other terms came to mind.

[tgal]

60. I would say that same thing

about your posts.

[pintobean]

63. I don't care

That's the difference. I don't think everything I post is great, or that anybody has to agree with me. It's just my opinion and you are welcome to think of it what you want.

[uppityperson]

71. I often rec yours nadin but lack of content here doesn't deserve greatest status.

It happens.

[nadinbrzezinski]

72. Alas you are not who I am talking about

I unrec a few threads myself...

I am talking of a group, small as it may be, that will unrec cute kitten threads...yes I have done that test to prove the point.

I find the behavior childish to be honest.

[uppityperson]

74. I know. Just explaining why I unreced.

[uppityperson]

70. I unrec'd because didn't think it belonged on greatest page, unlike this other thread that gives

more helpful info. "beware, watch the news" isn't one for greatest page.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1811229

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. Jeff Masters says it will be worst one since 1938.That is indeed impressive.

His blog today has some interesting information, recommend it.
Most interesting are the links to the Storm Surge maps;


Irene is capable of inundating portions of the coast under 10 - 15 feet of water, to the highest storm surge depths ever recorded. I strongly recommend that all residents of the mid-Atlantic and New England coast familiarize themselves with their storm surge risk. The best source of that information is the National Hurricane Center's Interactive Storm Surge Risk Map, which allows one to pick a particular Category hurricane and zoom in to see the height above ground level a worst-case storm surge may go. If you prefer static images, use wunderground's Storm Surge Inundation Maps


http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=1899

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. The surge is going to be epic

From what we know...indeed

:hi:

[a la izquierda]

12. I'm hoping like hell that my extremely pregnant...

sister and her family are getting out of dodge. They're a block from the beach in Jersey.

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. I hope they are too

Riding this while pregnant is not a good idea.

:hug:

[Harmony Blue]

17. Highly recommend you give them a call

Too see what plans they have.

[a la izquierda]

79. They're going to my mom's...

she's about 10 miles inland. I wish they would get my grandparents and caravan to PA to my other sister's house...but I'm sure they won't.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

14. Make sure to fill your tank now.

If you have any extra gas containers, fill them as well.

[LynneSin]

16. I'm all ready for Irene!

I just bought one of those Everready charger batteries for my cell phone - they actually do work.

[TBF]

21. I'd worry more about gallons of water and ready-to-eat soup

:) But you've probably read the other threads and have everything under control. Stay safe!

[LynneSin]

31. 2 cases of Poland Spring bottled water and 3 jugs of Poland Spring

Plus I've got about 5 pitchers in my house - filling those all up with tap water. It'll be just me at the house, along with my 2 cats (I have one rubbermaid container filled with dry food along with one more unopened bag along with 20 cans of wet food and plenty of litter).

I'm anal retentive about these things.

[TBF]

37. Sounds like you're ready to go. Hope the kitties aren't too scared -

we finally got a thunderstorm here this afternoon and I finally put my 90 lb. dog in his crate so he'd calm down. The bugger nearly bit me when I tried to put his "storm vest" on so that wasn't very helpful. :)

But he's calm in his crate with a few treats - went right to sleep. Hopefully will be the same for you and your furry friends this weekend. Good luck!

[LynneSin]

43. Congrats on the ran - wish I could divert some of our ran down your way

They say Philadelphia is about to break the record for most rain in August and the month isn't even completed yet.

[lindysalsagal]

80. You sound like me;lol! n/t.

[Waiting For Everyman]

52. What kind of charger is that, Lynne? And who carries them?

TIA.

[nadinbrzezinski]

56. You can get them at any electronics store

like oh Best Buy

http://www.duracell.com/en-US/category/mygrid.jspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=cell%2Bchargers&utm_campaign=Search_Category%2BInterest

Actually a solar charger

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=solar+chargers+for+cell+phones&hl=en&prmd=ivns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=961&bih=599&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=1045697496776555828&sa=X&ei=c6NWTsuAEIjYiALh6vHrCQ&ved=0CIYBEPMCMAA

Is best

[Waiting For Everyman]

67. Thanks, Nadin!

:hi:

[nadinbrzezinski]

68. You welcome, they are in my list of things to get

for a quake kit... I think the solar backpack should be my choice. Pack it with supplies...

:-)

[trud]

81. I can't believe

how long it took me to realize that I should keep a "wall plug charger" for my cell phone in my pocketbook. That dawned on me when I was in the hospital and the bananas hospital phone system in the rooms would only allow outgoing calls to certain area codes.

[Sherman A1]

20. K&R

Thanks for posting. I have a daughter in Manhattan and have been feeding her information all day long on this. Hopefully she will make all needed preparations.

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. For ya

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1813075

[Obamanaut]

27. Thank goodness, at last someone to warn us of impending danger. nt

[MineralMan]

32. Really. Why doesn't the media cover these emergencies and tell

local residents what they should be doing? Oh...wait...

Team Coverage on The Impending Storm! Tune in at 5,6, and 10!

[TBF]

44. I'd cut her some slack on this one MM,

it's a scary looking storm and not the type of weather they are used to in the NY area. I know there have been a lot of threads on this (I had one yesterday) ... but some are filled with some great tips from people who have been through this several times.

I'm still praying it will turn and go out to sea - that's the best case scenario. But currently all models are moving inland.

[Name removed]

47. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[elleng]

35. Thanks. **Delta allowing reservation changes/cancellations

in the 'zone.' Just saw on Weather Channel.

[nadinbrzezinski]

41. I am not surprised

thanks

[chrisa]

49. We'll be fine. Just very bored if the power goes out.

[TBF]

50. lol - yes, I think my kids would have a very hard time without Wii -

they might have to *gasp* read a book or something. :)

[nadinbrzezinski]

53. Do you have a couple books?

It is a good way to pass the time... also it is an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors.

[chrisa]

57. That was fast! Unfortunately, I'm not much of a reader.

I wish we had a gigantic version of one of those brooms that they use for that Irish sport where they slide that puck thing into a circle, so that we could mop-guide the hurricane out to sea.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

51. This guy is ready for Hurricane Irene....

[nadinbrzezinski]

55. I need to wash my eyes now

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

58. Whoever that guy is... he's hilarious...

there's quite a few pics on the web of that guy (wearing briefs or banana-hammocks) and playing with his guns. Cracks me up everytime.

[JPZenger]

64. Gas stations may run out of gas

Whenever there is a mass evacuation, there is a danger that gas stations will run out of gas. That is because everyone goes to top off their tanks, and new deliveries may not be able to get through.

[JPZenger]

65. Look for things that could be picked up by the wind and cause damage

During very high winds, many items can be picked up and cause severe injury or damage. For example, storage sheds can be picked up and flung into houses. Look for things that are outside that could be picked up by the wind and put them in a garage or some place similar.

[Raven]

69. Also, gas stations can't pump if the power is out so fill up the car and

get more than 1 fill for your portable generator. 3 years ago we had a severe ice storm in SW NH and power was out in my area for 2 weeks. People who had portable generators couldn't get their gas can refilled because of the outage.

[dtexdem]

66. I rate Irene as irate.

It won't be a good night with Irene.

[Chorophyll]

78. Ha. :)

[smirkymonkey]

73. I have been trying to tune into the news when I am not working,

but during the day at work I check into DU, and I have really appreciated the advice from people who have actually been through hurricanes - especially numerous hurricanes - because I tend to be one of those people who just think the media is overreacting.

Just as I am not used to earthquakes, I am not used to hurricanes and from what people have said here I now realize it's not just a big storm with a lot of wind, it can be much more dangerous than that. Because of the feedback I have received from people with greater experience, I am taking things more seriously and making preparations. I may not have to evacuate because I am in a pretty safe part of the city, but I will listen to people instead of thinking that I know best, because I don't.

[nadinbrzezinski]

75. Check with the city to make sure you are not in the flood zone

for a storm surge. The last of this hit in 1938...

And this is a VERY BASIC list

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1813075

Yes as basic as they get. But it goes into what is it 3 days worth of water.

[Name removed]

76. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Odin2005]

82. I had a feeling this spring that NYC would get a hurricane this year. Looks like my gut was right.

:(

[nadinbrzezinski]

83. Of note this is the second 100 event in less than 10 years

the other is Katrina... (And I hope the weather folks miss the 100 year event for this one by the way)

[Odin2005]

92. I guessed it was going to be the K storm, so i was 2 off.

Using a name so similar to the retired Katrina, "Katia" is tempting fate too much.

[nadinbrzezinski]

93. Well I just hope they are wrong, to be honest.

And all this is just a civil defense exercise.

:-)

Plan for worst, hope for best.

[markpkessinger]

97. It might be a 100 year event . . .

. . . and then again, it might not. Wise to take precautions, though.

[malaise]

86. Find your old phone that does not require

electricity

[nadinbrzezinski]

88. Yup... upthread mentioned the solar backpacks

[malaise]

90. A DUer showed me a hot water solar camp shower a few years

ago and we ordered two -fabulous.

[nadinbrzezinski]

91. Ohh that sounds divine

even for just camping/

[cwydro]

94. You never heard of those?

Disaster manager?

God too funny.

Obviously you are alerting on anyone who dares question your experience.

But thanks for the laughs anyway.

[malaise]

95. Here

http://www.campingshowerworld.com/solar-camping-showers.html

[nadinbrzezinski]

96. Here is another thing you can get at your local

camping store that is great... in a disaster, a cold night, a camping event...


metalized emergency blankets...

[Owl]

89. K&R