Aid For Hurricane Irene Victims

Hurricane Irene is gone but she left behind a lot of damage along the East Coast. All along the coast homes were destroyed, roads were washed out, lives were taken and possessions were lost. The pictures are heartbreaking. The Outer Banks of NC hold a special place in my heart and looking at the damage makes me want to cry. I can only imagine how the residents must feel.

http://interactives.wavy.com/photomojo/gallery/936/32/irene-aftermath-the-damage/

This link leads to  a photo gallery of some of the damages caused by Irene. I was going to post a few pictures here, but there are so many that I couldn't choose.

So, how can you help? You can always donate to The Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/ . There is also a very nice, big hearted lady in VT named Kim who has put together a wish list for the residents of Ludlow. This town has been severely damaged by flooding caused by Irene and Kim is trying to help. You can view the wish list at http://www.walmart.com/giftregistry/gr_detail.do?registryId=86182421248 .

If anyone knows of any other organizations that are accepting donations or goods for Irene relief, please let me know and I will add them.

Storms, Earthquakes and Hurricanes Oh My!

The East Coast is getting hit hard this week! I hope everyone is busy preparing and stays safe . And speaking of preparing, do you have an emergency kit? With all this going on, this is a good time to invest in one. The earthquake in VA this week is proof that you just never know what could happen. Here are the basic items you should have in an emergency kit according to the Red Cross:

• Water (The Red Cross recommends 1 gallon per person per day with a minimum 3 day supply)
• Food (Non perishable)
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Multi purpose tool
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of important documents
• Cell phone
• Emergency contact info
• Cash
• Emergency blanket

You can find an expanded list here:

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=537b218c37752210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&currPage=e507d7aada352210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

You can also buy kits here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=red+cross+emergency+kit&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3997735765&ref=pd_sl_36zr7svmwp_e

Here are some guidelines to follow during a hurricane according to FEMA

• Listen to the news for info.
• Secure your home. Close shutters or board up windows, secure any outside furniture or items.
• Turn off propane. Turn off other utilities if instructed to do so.
• Have a supply of water

Evacuate under the following conditions:

• You are directed to evacuate by local authorities.
• You live in a mobile home or temporary shelter.
• You live in a high rise building.
• If you live on the coast, in a flood plain or near a body of water.
• You feel like you're in danger.

If you cannot evacuate:

• Stay indoors!!!!!
• Close all interior doors and close and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed.
• Stay in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

You can find the full expanded guidelines here:

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_during.shtm

You can find the latest info on Hurricane Irene here:

http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20

Stay Safe!!!