Hurricane Irene Visits Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point, Maine

While the storm skirted the seacoast of NH & Maine (for the most part), she did visit Pepperrell Cove.  Two boats were blown from their moorings and crashed onto the rocks.  It was sad to watch as one of the boats which was pulled from the rocks, fill with water as they tried to get her to safety. No one was injured, and hopefully the owners of the boats had insurance.  While I tried to video tape what was going on, wouldn't you know it, my battery died!

It was somthing to watch Portsmouth Tow and it's Owner Steve, Bruce Oronte and Bion Pike leap into action to try to save that boat. I am proud of all of them. 

Hurricane Irene - A Wolf Cry for New Hampshire & Maine?

On September 10th 2010, I posted a Blog on Hurricane Earl, which turned out to be (at least for us in NH/Maine) no big deal. Well, almost a year later and Hurricane Irene is being purported as " the most dangerous Hurricane since Katrina" "A once in a lifetime event"...  And they are talking about the Entire East Coast - and NH & Maine are included in this -   

Is this a Cry Wolf for those of us in southern NH/southern ME? I haven't talked to one person who seems to be very concerned - Yet yesterday there was considerable activity at Pepperrell Cove with people pulling their boats out of the water - still others I've spoken to have the attitude "ah, it'll be okay"...

Am I just paranoid?  Perhaps it's because I'm from the West Coast (originally) and while I've been through many Earthquakes in my lifetime, Hurricanes I have not really experienced -other than those that petered out.  But Irene seems to be a little different.  Either way, for those of you who may secretly feel just a LITTLE concerned about Irene - I'm reposting my list of things that you can do to be prepared - I personally am putting my "Go Bag" together today (and Irene isn't suppose to be here until Sunday).  

Exterior of House –

-Clean out Gutters on the roof to keep driving rain from backing up and leaking down into windows and doors (while you are at it, check windows and doors for holes/cracks that could be a source for water entry).

-Repair loose or faulty siding that could be ripped off during a strong storm

-Store or secure the patio furniture (tables, chairs, umbrellas. grills, garbage cans, potted plants, garden tools)

-Trim any weakened bushes or tree branches - that if broken could take down utility lines or break windows...

-Make sure outbuilding doors and windows are securely latched

-Check the basement to make sure windows/pet doors are closed

If You Live In An Apartment or Condo-

-Contact your Management company or landlord if you see any issues that you think need addressing beforehand (they may be unaware of potential hazards that could cause problems)

Electronics/Vehicle/Boats

You know the storm is on its way and if it passes without issue - that is great - but humor me:

-Charge all of your electronics (cell phones, wireless cards, rechargeable batteries, laptop...) you might even want to invest in a power converter (it plugs into your car's lighter and then you can plug your electronics into it, as if you were in the house)

-Make sure you fill your vehicles gas tank, make sure your wipers are in good working order, check the fluid levels and the air in your tires (you don't want to be worried about this at the last minute)

-Make sure your boat is secure and watertight - if you can take it out of the water great if you cannot at least make sure you double your lines and store anything below that can fly off

If You Have To Leave in a Hurry

-Don't forget the pets - (food, water dishes, kennel)

-Make sure you have your Insurance Policy # and Agent or Claim Telephone Number with you.

-And have an Emergency To Go Kit Ready -

Put a "Go Bag" in the car ahead of time in the event you need to leave abruptly.

Your GO BAG should contain:

- Allow 3 gallons of water for each person;

-Flashlights/don't forget batteries,

-Portable radio (Smartphone’s are great but there's nothing better than an old fashioned portable battery operated radio).

-Put an ice chest or duffel bag in the car with nonperishable foods i.e. high-nutrition foods you don't have to refrigerate and require little or no water such as: Ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, juices or soups. Energy foods like, trail mix, crackers, granola bars; Comfort foods like hard candy, cookies, coffee, tea; If you have elderly or infants don't forget any special diet foods...

-Medications -Blanket or Sleeping Bag (we keep our camping gear ready for spontaneous trips so that would even work if you are a camper). And if you don't have to leave at least you have something in the car if you ever break down somewhere.

Here's a great link to help you put a kit together - You can purchase one of these "emergency kits" from this link as well (I have one in my car - you never know when you might need one) "Get A Kit" .

Chances are (at least from those that I've talked to) that the Seacoast of NH and Southern ME won't be too "inconvenienced" by Irene, and she'll turn out to just be full of Hot Air! but it is "Better To Be Safe Than Sorry" they say (who said that?).

And if you want to "Keep an EYE on Irene" here are a few links.

Follow Irenes' Track -(click here) (courtesy ofSSEC - Space Science and Engineering Center)

FEMA - National Weather Service (Current Watches & Warnings)

You might find these interesting as well:

Hurricane History (this is the National Hurricane Center site and addresses Hurricanes everywhere)

Hurricane Tracker (enter a state and zip code - you may have to adjust your screen)

The Great Hurricane of 1938 Storm Preparedness

Remember what Benjamin Franklin said  "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"