Dear Mr. Rawles,
Here’s an article on the New York Times web site about the extraordinary preparations being made in and around New York City as Hurricane Irene makes her way up the East Coast. They’re evacuating a quarter of a million people, including a number of hospitals and nursing homes; making the main arteries out of some locations into one-way, six lane evacuations routes; and shutting down the entire public transit system, including several commuter lines to Long Island, New Jersey, and upstate. New Yorkers tend to forget how close we are to the sea.
Nothing like this has ever been done before. The only times I can remember the subways being shut down were in the infamous blackouts that have descended on the city from time to time. And mandatory evacuations? In Brooklyn?? Fuhgeddaboudit!
I’m grateful to you and all your readers for the knowledge and insight to make the preparations I’ve needed to. I live out in the country now, up on a nice little hill. The greatest danger around here is the trees that are likely to come down. I expect to be without power for several days, and feel secure and comfortable in my little house — plenty of food and water, light sources and a camp stove, a bucket for flushing all squared away and ready to rock. And I’ve given away some of my supplies, will give away more tomorrow, to a conductor who’s in from out-of-town to conduct a concert nearby. He has no idea what he needs, so I’ve prepared a basic kit for him, of water, candles, matches, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
Thank you for being there, and for the good guidance. We won’t feel the full force of the storm here in my valley, but I’m a little scared. And my trust is in the Lord, here and now.
Best, Mary in Rosendale, New York