If you are living in the pathway of Storm Sandy, which appears to be a STORM THAT IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING, you need to be prepared, even if you are far from the Atlantic coast. I'm posting this message out of concern for the people who may not be taking the situation too seriously, as just this morning here on the west coast I heard someone laughing it off. IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE THAT SOMEONE HAS NOT HEARD THIS STORM IS ON THE WAY.
High winds in an area hundreds of miles wide, may be a bigger danger than immediate flooding. Elecricity may be out, so you may not be able to get on a computer or recharge your cell phone. High winds may mean that powerlines cannot be repaired for some time and high winds may cause more damage than water.
If you don't have three to seven days worth of drinkable water, start filling up some containers now. Muddied water may mean that it's some time before you can trust the water from your tap.
Have food like canned goods that don't need refrigeration. Not just for you, but for your pets.
Put your important documents that you might need in plastic bags and ready to carry with you... as well as any medications you may need to take.
DON'T GO OUT OF YOUR SAFE HOME to watch the water rise. Stay out of the way of emergency personnel.
BUT PLEASE - if you know of a neighbor or relative who lives alone, who may be disabled, who doesn't drive, who may need a call, make a call now, and later after the storm has passed.
Those of us who are in safe locations may try to contact relatives and friends in the storm's path using cell phones, but I wonder how it will go if the cell towers are down.
