Linn

if I lived in New York I would be leaving town. So happy that everyone is taking this storm seriously unlike the mayor of New orleans did. Never know what these storms are gonna do. I have been praying for eveyone in its path and you never know. It may lose some of its power before it hits or it may head in another direction. Best to be prepared though. I feel so bad for the really poor people who cant leave and have no money for extra.

Yooper32

I pray that all of you on the coast are spared the worst of damage and that you all stay safe.

scrapbeagle

Ditto to that. I didn't read all the posts but some very good advice has been shared. If anyone is in an area where flooding could be a major factor, pack family pictures, photo albums and any heirloom clothing, etc. in rubbermaid containers (the one's without little holes in the handles), and set the container up. If the water rises, most of the containers will float if not too heavily packed. Also, if you have to evacuate, take all your frozen foods and place them in a strong large garbafe bag and put them back in the freezer. If you lose power for any long amount of time and can't get back home, it will be easily disposed of. Just wanted to share some tidbits of preparations I know WORK! Most of all, take care and God Bless, we will keep all the East Coast in our prayers.

shirley35

I'm praying that all in harm's way stay safe.

grandma anna

As Hurricane Rita and Ike survivor (and countless others) I know just what you mean. It is such a feeling of foreboding waiting. I pray that you all will be fine you have done everything you could and the only advice I could offer is if they recommend evacuation GO.

dirty1mom

If the power goes out try not to open refrigerator and/or freezer doors. I keep my freezer stocked as full as I can get it with bags of ice. I use the gallon size freezer bags and fill in all the empty spaces. The freezer runs better and if the power goes out the ice helps keep the cold in. Just went thru a power outage. Fortuneately it didn't last long. Good luck, God bless.

Quiltbeagle

Though I live in Fl now and went through 4 hurricanes here I also experienced hurricane Gloria when I lived on Long Island. Everyone in my family except me still lives on there on the south shore and they're very nervous about Irene. Stay safe and keep a battery or crank radio on so you can hear what's going on. There is one thing I'd add to your list of needs and that is ice. If you have a cooler and can get some I would. If you can't find any I'd just freeze any water I could in jugs and keep them in the freezer to keep your food from spoiling in case you lose power. You're in our thoughts.

Abby'smom

although there are dangers from wind damage, falling trees, and rain, the afters have been the worst for me to take (we have been so fortunate that there was no house damage in previous hurricanes)-- after the last 2 hurricanes that we got, it was the lack of electric power for three weeks that was hard to take -- we have a gas grill and share a generator and city water can be on emergency generators, but three weeks is a long time -- we live about 80/90 miles from the Gulf coast-- prayers and hugs to those who will be affected by Irene and other storms this year

luvstoquilt

Moved here from northern NJ and worry about my friends and neighbors back there. I lived in a historic area with many large trees..I hope it changes course and goes out to sea!

C.Cal Quilt Girl

Thinking about all you on the other coast.
Stay safe!! {{ Huggs }}