My husband works for the city of NY and got called in today to work a 10hr shift as he's on the emergency response team. He's in some office in Brooklyn with a load of suits all talking and planning. I've been pretty blasé about the storm but he emailed me a hour ago telling me to fill pans with water, saying things were looking pretty serious.
Sandbags in front of the door and hatches battened down. Fingers crossed it's much ado about nothing.

I'm worried about a couple of large trees...maybe he could take a look...if he has time.

He'll be happy to! Whats up with your trees? You can email me photos if you like

at least in the winter, you can chuck your stuff out in the snow banks....and then fend the animals off.

Anyway, we've got our garden furniture in the garage, the storm windows are down and the car has a full tank of petrol and that's about it from us in prep...oh and batteries for the torches.

/We did see loads of heavy gear as well as electricity utility trucks heading up I-95 and I-495 this afternoon.

Good luck all.

http://www.wunderground.com/radar/ra...20York%2c%20NY

If you should evacuate the area, please do so. You don't want the zombies to get you in the aftermath, you know what they're like.

Just joking...thanks anyway Sarah. We have a couple my husband thinks are rotten near the base. We cannot take them down without the council's permission. Their tree guy came out a year ago and said they were OK...but hubby's not convinced.

State of Emergency activates additional government power, such as the ability to mobilize National Guard troops under the governor's command and access to emergency funds that are set aside for things like fireman overtime pay and emergency road repair. It's actually legally necessary for a number of government programs, but also has the psychological effect of scaring some into paying attention.

Oh he'd be able to tell you if they're rotten or dangerous or whatever. Couldn't do it from a photo though obviously. I'd be concerned about them too tbh.

A general reminder
Anyone using camping equipment indoors, should remember to be aware of
carbon monoxide and suffocation dangers, keep good ventilation if you can. Camping equipment indoors can and does kill.

Yeah, where's Kojack when you need him?

Some good friends from MA were staying with us for a few days and had to go back today instead of tomorrow. The airline they booked on said either go today or they didn't know when they could fly again. I hope everyone in the way of the storm stays safe with no property damage.

Yes, we were going to set up the stove on the screen porch if we do need to use it.

Take care and be safe everyone affected by sandy. Please try to keep in touch so you can let us know how you are doing....