Its Raining Cats and Dogs!

"ERNESTO GETTING STRONGER...HIS RAIN BANDS MOVING THROUGH THE TRIAD WITH MORE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY...WATCH OUT FOR FLOOD PROBLEMS AS RAIN TOTALS RISE....HOLIDAY WEEKEND STILL LOOKING MUCH NICER BY SATURDAY." Thats the headlines today in Winston Salem, NC.
http://www.wxii12.com/weather/index.html

Well thats good to know. I would hate to have my 3-day weekend off, which doesn't happen very often, and not be able to enjoy the weather. I'm glad Ernesto never hit New Orleans. That it didn't gain a lot of strength in the Gulf either. They need to keep the weather out down there for awhile. My heart goes out to all still suffering the effects of Katrina. What a nasty storm that was.

We are very much inland here, and I'm not too worried about hurricanes. But I remember them quite well, being from the Jersey Shore all my life. I remember Hurricane Gloria back in 1985, with her 100 mile per hour winds. I remember Hurricane Bob back in August of 1991, that was a strong one. Hurricane Emily in 1993 was a strong one too. And although I wasn't there in NJ for Hurricane Floyd in 1999, I remember it quite well. As kids we always knew it was a big storm, when my father would put all of the outside furniture in the Garage. The pool would get shut down, ladder up and all toys brought in. Otherwise, all that stuff sat out on a daily basis.

I'm hoping Hurricane Ernesto passes us by and everyone else without incident. Hopefully it doesn't get as strong as some are saying its going to. My prayers are with those in the way of the storm.

Remember to prepare just in case. Have a disaster plan. I don't have one, but I'm not on the shore anymore. I am working on my own disaster plan here. Here's a good generic checklist/plan:

• Fill your car with gas. Make sure the battery is in good condition.
• Review county and state roadway maps.
• Check your battery-powered equipment. A radio could be your only link
  with the outside world during and after a hurricane.
• Lower or secure TV and radio antennas (CB or HAM) to prevent
  antennas from coming in contact with electrical wires.
• Remove all items from the yard and open patios.
• Board up windows. Close shutters,
  awnings, windows and drapes. Tape windows from the inside.
• If you plan to stay home, check your supply of emergency food and
  water. Emergency food supplies should include: canned fish, chicken or
  meat, fruits (fresh and dried), soups, juices, milk (fresh or powdered), dry
  cereal, cookies and bread.
• Include any other non-refrigerated food necessary for your family. Small families should purchase single-serving size containers. Obtain and fill clean containers with drinking water.
• Do not store drinking water in used milk containers.
• Pack your valuables in waterproof containers. Valuables include jewelry,
  titles, deeds, insurance papers, licenses, stocks, bonds, inventory list, etc.
• Place valuables in a safety deposit box. If you do not have a safety
  deposit box, keep your valuables with you. Keep important papers with
  you at all times.
• Refill prescription drugs. Obtain an extra supply of special medication.
• Make arrangements for the safety of your house pets. Pets are not
  allowed in designated emergency public shelters.
• Make arrangements for the safety of your boats. If the situation warrants
  a mandatory evacuation, drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic.
• Fill clean plastic containers, cooking pots or clean bathtubs with drinking water.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. This preserves food as long as possible in case of a power failure.
• Do not drain your swimming pool. Keep the swimming pool full to approximately 12 inches below the edge, to compensate for expected rainfall.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from being lifted from their tracks. Brace your garage door.
• Protect appliances and furniture. Elevate them above floor level and cover them with plastic.
• Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for official weather statements and emergency instructions for your area.
• If county authorities advise or order evacuation of your area, leave immediately.
• If you plan to go to an emergency public shelter, take these items: drinking water in a plastic container, nonperishable food, medicine, blankets, a complete change of clothing, personal hygiene items, flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs, quiet toys or games for children, plastic trash bags, eating and cooking utensils (plastic or paper), manual can and bottle opener and a portable radio with extra batteries.
• Remember, alcoholic beverages, pets and weapons are not allowed in emergency public shelters.
• If you leave your home, shut off gas and electricity at the main power source. Shut off water lines to your home.
• Lock all windows and doors before leaving. Call relatives and friends and let them know what you are doing and where you are going. This will reduce phone system overloading from them trying to get in touch with you.
• If you live inland, away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas, and your home is well-constructed, stay home and make emergency preparations. Do not stay if officials recommend evacuation.
• Be alert for tornado watches and warnings. Hurricanes often spawn tornados. If your area receives a tornado warning, seek inside shelter immediately. Stay away from windows.
• If you stay at home, avoid using electric appliances. Seek refuge in a small, interior area such as a hallway, closet or bathroom.
• If your evacuation route is impassible and you become trapped on low ground, seek refuge in a third or fourth floor hallway of a high rise building.

Well good luck to all. Hope this helped.