Hurricane Irene Preparedness Update

Here's the latest from the National Weather Service:

"...MAJOR HURRICANE IRENE TO STRONGLY AFFECT THE EAST COAST FROM NC
INTO THE NEW ENGLAND THIS WEEKEND...

THE LATEST NUMERICAL GUIDANCE CONTINUES TO ADJUST WESTWARD AS HAS
THE LAST SEVERAL NHC TRACK FORECASTS WHICH NOW HAVE EYE OF IRENE
COMING THRU THE NORTH CAROLINA OUTER BANKS LATE SATURDAY BEFORE
GRAZING THE DELMARVA AND NEW JERSEY THEN MOVING INTO THE NORTHEAST
ON SUNDAY. THIS POTENTIALLY COULD BE EXTREMELY DESTRUCTIVE WITH
MASSIVE DISRUPTIONS TO SOCIETY AND COMMERCE ALONG ITS ENTIRE TRACK
WITH VERY HIGH WINDS/STORM SURGE/OCEAN OVERWASH/BEACH
EROSION/SOUND AND BAY SIDE COASTAL FLOODING AND EXTREME TIDE
POTENTIAL. WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINS IN THE 6-10 INCH RANGE WILL BE
COMMON WITH GREATLY INCREASED INLAND FLOOD POTENTIAL. REFER TO THE
NHC FOR THE LATEST FORECAST OF IRENE ALONG WITH LOCAL NWS
WARNINGS/STATEMENTS AND ADVISORIES FROM NC INTO NEW ENGLAND."

This is a potentially very dangerous situation unfolding. I am meeting with the local Emergency Management officials this evening to review our plans and ensure that we're ready - or as ready as we can be - to ride out the storm.

Again - I cannot stress this enough - you need to ensure that you review your own personal Emergency Management Plan. Review your emergency kits. Make sure that you have enough non-perishable canned food and water on hand to carry you through a few days where services may be interrupted. Are your vehicles fueled? Check your yards. It's summer time. Chances are you have outdoor furniture or other decorations that will blow away in periods of heavy winds. I'm going to go back to my Navy days and say that all "gear adrift" (patio furniture, umbrellas, garbage cans, outdoor decorations, flags, etc.) should be secured someplace indoors. If that's not possible, ensure that it's tied down in such a manner as to not blow away and create a potential hazard. If you have them - check your sump pumps for proper operation. Do you have a backup generator? Do you have fuel for it? Please remember - DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OPERATE AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR INDOORS.

There will be more updates in the coming days. Call or drop a note if you have any questions. Thanks!