From the COAST to the TRIAD: Tropical Storm Hanna – 24 Hour Countdown for North Carolina (How Prepared Are YOU?)

Within the last hour, the skies have filled with ominous clouds, and the rain is beginning to trickle. IF you were not tuned into the local news, you would most likely think that an afternoon thunderstorm is moving into our area. While no one knows exactly what to expect from Tropical Storm Hanna, Governor Mike Easley is asking the residents of North Carolina to BE PREPARED!

How prepared are YOU?

Having lived through, and lost my home to, Hurricane Fran in 1996...I do not take any hurricane or tropical storm for granted. From that traumatic experience, I learned to prepare for the worst...and then rejoice when it ‘blows by' unnoticed. In this post titled ‘The 11^th Anniversary of My Last Christmas'...I shared my story of hope, recovery and rebuilding following the physical and personal devastation Hurricane Fran wrought in my life. If you missed it the first time, I hope you will take the time to read it now.

As of noon today, 39 North Carolina counties are under warnings or watches. At this time, Wake and Durham Counties are not among those 39 counties; however, that information is changing hourly. "This is not just going to be a coastal issue," Easley said. "The wind and rain are going to be far spread." "The storm is moving fast now," said WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "Twenty miles per hour - that is fast for a tropical storm."

Please...if you live in North Carolina...don't take chances. BE PREPARED!

An emergency preparedness kit should include enough of the following to last a family for at least three to five days. The governor's office recommends the following items:

Water -- 1 gallon per person per day (a week's supply of water is preferable)

Water purification kit or bleach

First-aid kit and first-aid book

Pre-cooked, nonperishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals

Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

Manual can opener, not electric

Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel

Blanket or sleeping bag per person

Portable radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Essential medications

Extra pair of eyeglasses

Extra house and car keys

Fire extinguisher -- ABC-type

Food, leash and carrier for pets

Cash and change

Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

PLEASE NOTE:

An emergency, bilingual hotline (1-888-835-9966 or TTY 1-877-877-1765) began 24-hour operations at 10 a.m. this morning. The hotline will provide weather updates, shelter locations, highway closings and later act as a referral service for those in need of help.

Recently, I came across this prayer by Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel from his 'Prayer Book for the Tornado and Hurricane Seasons.' It seems appropriate for today.

God of heaven and earth, God who carries our lives and the lives of our whole community in your hands, be with us in the peril of this day/night. Help us to release our anxieties and fears into those same caring hands, knowing in faith that your will for us is life and everlasting good. Send your holy angels to watch over us and guard us. May they spread their holy wings to give us shelter against the storm. For you alone, O God, are all good, all life, all love, and that love is for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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