Coastal areas of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are being ordered to evacuate. I have lived in NYC for 54 years and have never seen the likes of this preparation. They didn't shut down MTA after 9/11, even though it destroyed a subway station. But they're shutting it down for Irene. I gotta wonder how much of this is mother nature and how much is politics?

Anyway, they sure have my attention. Irene is a Cat3 (Katrina was Cat5), but she's HUGE and moving slowly. We may all be hunkering down for several days. I made a big pot of pasta, have a flashlight, a transistor radio, extra batteries, and a tub full of water.

I'm worried about my son vacationing with family in Wellfleet on Cape Cod. I'm worried about a friend who lives on a boat. I'm worried about folks in this city that are homeless, I'm worried about my elderly parents, (though they aren't in a flood zone).

I'll be happy when this is over.

Heart

As of right now Irene is being classified as a Category 2 Hurricane, and is projected to lose strength rapidly over the next couple of days. Hope you all and your loved ones stay safe.

Weather Channel Hurricane Info

Tommi, the Humane Society in our area is near a river, so the volunteers took animals home and the rest are able to stay for free at two boarding places.

Speaking of the potty.....

I worry about how I am going to be able to take my dog out to go...

Put towels or newspaper down in an out of the way area and take your dog to that area when it gets " that look". Otherwise I've got nothing!

Yeah...I am wondering if that will work? Don't know. Problem is he was never trained on newpapers...just straight to going outside. I will try your suggestions.

It is possible if I put newspapers, puppy pads, or whatever, out in the garage, he will see that as "going out", I suppose. I think I will try that! Thanks for your thoughts, folks! <thumbs up>

I hope everyone is safe and has their kits ready!!!

This hurricane is no laughing matter.

Hi Jazz,

Bostonian here. Currently our MBTA (train transportation) is running on normal schedules as well as Commuter Rail. So she should be fine with heading North.

We will be getting a lot of rain today, but the worst of this will be in the daylight hours tomorrow (Sunday).

It's easier said than done when I say "try" not to worry. Our state is taking all the precautions necessary :)

You can also go here to check on things:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com

Hang in there ;)

Best,
Scorp

I think I'm prepared. Yesterday I picked up some batteries for the flashlight and some peanut butter and bread incase I can't cook...although, there is still the grill outside. I pulled the trash cans in the yard and secured everything on the patio. Irene should start coming through soon and we're expecting the brunt overnight when I'll be at work. It's cloudy here in Baltimore at the moment but very calm...almost too calm. :/

That should work...and some of the puppy pads have an "attractant" smell that gives them the message to "go here."

Good luck...and be safe everyone. :rrose:

I'm watching the Outter Banks and Several places under mandatory evac

We're being hit with some major rain and winds and the worst is going to hit the Raleigh area where I will be working today.

Lots of flooding on the news, I hear that Dare Co. is under mandatory evacuation as well. Let's just say that our beaches are being hit hard.

Going to drop the kidlett off at her Mom's work and head to work. Unless our building actually falls to the ground TWC is up and running business as usual lol.

stay safe East Coasters -

We're thinking of everyone on the East Coast in the path of this storm and wishing for safety!
I hope people can check in periodically and let us know that you all are ok.
:praying:

Depending on what type of internet service you have, you may loose that

also. Charge (of course, just repeating what I heard on this mornings news) your P.C. s up. Broadband and dial up (i didn't know dial up was still around) and they said Fios (which is a cable television/ internet service we have).... may go down. Almost certainly if power goes, and landline or cell service goes, internet will also. So more FYI stuff. they were also talking about candles.

Be careful with candles.

The ASPCA just posted this on facebook: SPECIAL NYC ALERT: All taxis ARE required to take animals. Please share!

Be safe everyone, and help out a homeless animal if you can!

Sue (f)