Hurricane Irene evacuations

I am an over-planner by nature and I'm proud of that. I usually don't run out of things and have extra stuff available at gigs that others may not have thought to bring. So with that being said, I can feel a little freak-out mode slipping into my head. Our home is about 20 minutes from Atlantic City. I've originally from Canada so when it snows here I find some people's terrified reactions kind of funny.
Now my husband and some neighbors are thinking I am being a "Doomsday Debbie" because I want to evacuate and head west. Mandatory evacuations began yesterday nearby and tonight major highways are being closed eastbound and southbound, and some are being used for contraflow to help get people out.
I currently have kits packed for leaving and staying. I did my stocking up early. I just can't stop watching the weather channel where they are calling this the storm of a lifetime, get out now, prepare or dare. It's making me a little crazy. The casinos is Atlantic City have already begun to close and the areas closer to the shore are boarding up.
My husband pointed out a trend. Whenever I attend a clown, fp, or balloon convention some big storm happens. There were blizzards and noreasters this winter when I went to fp convention in CTC and Circus Magic in VA, and Wednesday I went to Ballooniversity, the day after the earthquake. I'm scheduled to attend another balloon twisting workshop soon and here comes Irene... Maybe I should buy more videos and stay home! LoL

Don't come to Kansas! Just kidding

LOL Well stay safe! I for one...if someone says 'evacuate' and I have somewhere else I can be.....watch my dust. But I'm a worry wart!

And to everyone who is in any area that is in danger..PLEASE stay safe and if you can go...go! The reports I'm seeing are downright scary and the news is reporting that this one is gonna be record breaking/epic!!!!

How scary this sounds. Please take care and stay safe.

We in Jersey are expected to get hit sometime late afternoon/early evening on Saturday. I have always kept an emergency bag packed and ready to go and it just sits in the closet awaiting the need to arise. I check it annually to update medications in first aid kit and replace meal bars and water. But there is at least 3 days worth clothes/socks/ tolietries/water/snacks/emergency cash and so forth. I never bother it unless like said I am updating. I am a firm believer of "it is better to have and not need than to need and not have.

We have shopped for food /got batteries/ water/. SUV has been weighted down. I am registered with codered so I get all emergency notices to my cell. My kids school is our shelter so that is close by if need be, but I am planning on staying home. They have already begun cutting off access to major highways to deter people from being on the roads.

The kids are not scared or at least they don't show it.... lolol I always tell them If Mommy isn't scared you have no reason to be scared. If Mommy isn't worried you have no reason to worry as I am reciting the 91 Psalm all over my house and my car.

I count it all good and just like any other storm in life be it physical or metaphorical has a beginning and most importantly an END. Storms don't last always and the SON as well as the sun will shine again.

I pray a covering of safety and well being for those affected by this and I will see you once again after it is all said and done.

Be Well

Tamara

Stay safe to all folk within Irenes Clutches. I have extra space here in Erie if anyone ventures this far.

Hey Tamara. I just thought of something. There was a central Jersey jam scheduled for yesterday and I had made arrangements to go...until the hurricane preparations took priority. Ha! That's the trend my husband was talking about.
Deb, I'll stay away from Kansas. Been there but not on business. That's why I didn't play Dorothy or see a tornado.

I hope everyone stays safe and that it turns out to be better than they are saying on the news. My dad lives in North Myrtle Beach, and he's staying there. Lucky for us, it's going to hit North. . .unlucky for you guys. It seems like the cities up there are preparing well, so hopefully it won't be too bad. You all are in my thoughts

wow this sounds really scary. stay safe guys! my thoughts and prayers are with u!

Stay safe everyone.Don't go out in the eye it comes back at you the opisite way fast and very scary.

Well i'm leaving this morning. I live about 5 minutes away from lbi. I hope all my jersey painters stay safe <3 Where I am they are saying severe flooding. Ive never had to deal with a hurricane...I mean this isn't florida! I hope my house is ok:/

Here how badly nj is unprepared: Went to walmart yesterday they had a hurricane table. "be prepared for the hurricane" it had tape, flashlights, and candles...thats LOL when i saw that i knew we were screwed...haha.

@flopsie the clown did you at least tape your windows?

how is every one doing? has it passed yet?

We are done with her in North Carolina. It was bad, but not the worst I've been through. No damage to my property this time, and THAT's a GREAT thing. (in hurricane Fran a tree squashed my van) Alot of trees down & some flooding here, but I'm in the I-95 corridor.
The coast got hit worse, but she downgraded to a cat 1 before landfall so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Power is back on, and the sun is out!

Glad to hear that Linda.

I am so grateful to report we suffered very minimal damage in our area. Some fallen trees here and there but thankfully no injuries. There is lots of water in retention basins all around and right now it is sunny and super windy. It was scary when last night while winds and rains were very strong a tornado warning was issued. We never lost power here (much needed for our sum pump) but it has been reported over 600,000 were without power. The storm seemed to weaken and we were right in the center. Areas east and west of us got hit much worse. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for all the people who had to work through the storm who helped others and kept our electricity on!