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| Autumn view of New York City. photo by Katherine Ellington |
- Use your down time to share meaningfully with family, friends and neighbors too. It’s an intense time so avoid conflict and drama — now is the time to work together.
- Listen to news reports, but you can turn down the volume to find some peace throughout the day.
- Check-in on family and friends while the lines are clear and working. Mobile phones and land lines may be inaccessible.
Hurricane severity is a mix of rains and ear-popping wind that may cause all kinds of unimaginable damage and harm not always obvious. For example, the stress of the storm may raise blood pressure or a major power outage that last for days could also shut down our water supply because pumps (including gasoline) run on electricity. Here a few suggestions:
- Shower/bathe before the storm just in case the water goes.
- Put on/sleep in some comfortable clothes just in case you have to leave your house in a hurry.
- Don't skip meals. It's a good time to cook food from the freezer.
- Don't wander around; the calm before the storm is a dangerous time.
Here's a live look at Hurricane Sandy:
Please note that power outages and damages have to be reported to agencies to be resolved. Utility companies don't know immediately unless you call in. Be prepared to contact:
- Con Edison for power outages as well as lines down in your neighborhood.
- Phone, cable and other utility companies should also be contacted directly by residents if there is trouble.
- In New York City call 311 to report trouble and for help.
Other reading:
What to do during a hurricane is a guide from FEMA with up-to-date information.Please share your storm survival ideas, reflections and/or comments.
