Preparations & a funny story

[weatherluvr]

Yesterday (Sunday) I went to the supermarket to begin stocking up on some things like water, batteries, etc. What was interesting was that they were already out of water, and completely out of C and D batteries. I asked the clerk if they were getting more in, and if there had been a run on this stuff the last few days, and he had no clue. I said there was a hurricane possibly coming up here this week. He said, "Oh, I thought we were getting part of that now!" Outside we had a light shower. Then it dawned on me that he was referring to Henri, or what was left of it.

I have to say that this lack of knowledge scared me. I'm hoping this was just an isolated clueless person, because I don't think a lot of people are aware of the possible danger we are facing. If this deviates just very slightly to the right of the projected track, we're facing a storm unlike any in recent memery. On the other hand, some people were obviously stocking up on supplies, so some people are aware, but I don't think the majority are.

[Rainband]

Scary Indeed :o ..Hopefully many people are prepared and that Isabel weakens some before landfall. I wish all of you in the projected path..God SPEED!!!

[GalvestonDuck]

Don't forget bug repellant. We had a few...and I mean a FEW...mosquitos after some of the early rains in 2001. Then we had Allison...and all that flooding. After that, there was almost NO relief unless you had a nice supply of OFF and used it everyday.

[weatherluvr]

Good thought GalvestonDuck. Especially with the West Nile virus scare up here. Thanks!

[BaltimoreGirl]

No, they seem to be playing this storm down here. I went to the grocery store and stocked up on water and extra canned foods today(even bought a hand can opener, lol) and it was like a ghost town. The clerk asked me why I was buying all that water and batteries, and I informed her about Isabel. Her response, MD never gets hurricanes. OK?!?She was the second person that told me that today. My best friend was the first. Then off to the dog food place, same thing......"what storm?" Being from the south shore of LI, I don't know if I am being overly cautious, but I'd rather be prepared than sitting in the dark, hungry. Even made hubby tune up the generator yesterday. He balked, but did it to stop me from nagging.Also bought 2 propane tanks in case we lose power after the storm and I have to cook the freezer of food I have. Also made him get me some heavy duty rope for our pier. When Fran hit NC, the water here got so high, it actually pulled our pier out of the ground and it started to float away. Hubby and I were out in waist high water securing it to land, so that we could at least salvage what was left. Will have to make it a point to get some bug repellent, didn't even think of it.

[Carolina_survivor]

If you're addicted to coffee as I am, buy some instant in case you lose power for a couple of days. It's not the best stuff in the world, but you can enjoy some "hickory-smoke" flavored coffee with water heated on a charcoal or gas grill.

[BaltimoreGirl]

I've got to chuckle about your post. I hit the coffee aisle right after I picked up the water, LOL!!! Picked up a big jar of instant(and some dry creamer too)

[Pebbles]

Don't forget if you have kiddos, Instant hot chocalate, instant oatmeal, animal crackers, huge carton of gold fish crackers,coloring books, crayons and at least 2 pads of paper ...but most important of all..their own flashlight..there are even some cute toddler ones out there that talk (yes it drives ya bonkers but not as bad as the crying that goes on if the winds are going really fierce) Their own kiddie sleeping bag and pillow is nice too as they can make their own special area in sight of the adults but away from the windows.

But the thing I found most useful....a gameboy! I hate to advacate these things but on long car drives and during them long poweroutages they are a blessing in disguise. (we can't exactly send them out to play can we) and if money is an issue you would be surprised how cheep you can get a used game boy and a couple of games with a light adapter at a pawn or resale shop.

Don't forget the extra batteries for the kiddo's extras too

[Stephanie]

I haven't been to the store yet, but I have my list. Some people are discussing the potential storm, but alot still think it's going into the Carolinas, therefore it's not a problem here. I think that it will rake the Outer Banks and slam into the MidAtlantic. Even if it does stay by the Chesapeake, we're still going to have problems down here at the shore since we're on the NE side.

[weatherluvr]

Stephanie, that's the point I've been trying to drive home with the people that I've talked to. This isn't going to be like Gloria or Bob, which hit us straight on or slightly east of us. It looks like landfall will occur to our south and west, which would expose us to the stronger NE quadrant, especially if she's a fast mover as they've said she would be

[BaltimoreGirl]

Yep, we have 2 kids still at home. I was just browsing what I bought(and what I had) and I think we are set. Lots of instant stuff and I even remembered to buy some powered milk(and of course, lots of goodies) We have plenty of batteries for the gameboys( I hate them too, but they make long car trips bearable), and I even dug out some old dusty board games. I might take a trip to the local Home Depot, a friend suggested a "hurricane" lamp, and I'll look for some "Kid flashlights". The news reporters seem to finally starting to warn of what can happen, and MEMA mentioned something that I didn't take into account, that could be very seroius for us. We've had nothing but rain and snow this year. My yard is like a swamp already(and it's raining again today) They say if we flood, that there is really no where for this water to go.When Fran hit my hubby was actually fishing in the back yard. That worries me, as well as my neighbor has a really old tree in front of his house, and if the storm comes in the right way, and that tree goes, it will go right into my house.Wonder if he's be upset if I cut that sucker down, lol!

[GalvestonDuck]

Someone else posted this last week...guess it bears repeating also -- fill up the gas tank and get money out of the bank! My bank, which is a local Galveston-area bank, got their servers knocked out due to water during Allison. There was no way to get money out of the ATM and no way to use my check card at the stores, even though we all had power. So, get cash!

[BaltimoreGirl]

Already done. Filled up all 3 trucks and hit the bank earlier.Made sure she gave me small bills too, as I was told that some places won't take the bigger bills when there is no power(guess their cashiers don't know how to give out change without their computers) Just to let you know, as I was getting a few extra supplies at the Home Depot(got a few extra flashlights and 2 standing "flood" lamps, some of those stick on dome lights for the hallways and bathroom) People were starting to come in and ask for generators. HD said they had sold out this morning, so perhaps people are finally listening.They actually had police stationed inside and outside. A rather disturbing site, to say the least.