What most East Coasters are doing today. Hurricane Irene - go away!

So, we are not big worries in general but when a big-honker of a Hurricane is baring down on "your neck-of-the-woods", we find it is just smart to be "better safe than sorry" (lotta cliches in that sentence LOL).  

So I loaded up my kids here in Rhode Island and we headed to the grocery store to stock up on the items noted on the Hurricane Preparedness list that we printed out via NOAA's website (Nat'l Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).  Becca made calls to airlines to see if she could move her trip home to Germany to an early date...With no luck.  Looks like we may have her here in the states a bit longer -YEAH!

Here's what we were told by NOAA to get and prepare:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

— foods for infants or the elderly— snack foods— non-electric can opener— cooking tools / fuel— paper plates / plastic utensils Blankets / Pillows, etc. Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs Special Items - for babies and the elderly Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes Flashlight / Batteries Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods Keys Toys, Books and Games Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Tools - keep a set with you during the storm Vehicle fuel tanks filled Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage — muzzle and leash

I got and prepped the food/first aid/clothes/toiletries/... stuff (and a few bottles of wine...ya know...just in case :):):) and my husband will be getting the tools set, the yard organized, the generator prepped, the propane and gas tanks filled plus he'll get ice if he can find it.  Plus he was up at the crack-oh-dawn this morning, setting up extra line and anchors on our sailboat to try to keep it from getting swept away.

Looks like we are ready to ride out Miss Irene.  Kids are excited to see if this 'lady storm" develops into something cool to watch.  

Wish us luck that our trees stay up and our house stays in-tact (and we don't loose electricity...oh please don't let us loose electricity!)