Welp, we have been welcomed into the 09 hurricane season peak with the 1st named tropical storm Ana "while still 4-5 days out" looks like Florida is in the forecast cone for the moment. So, everyone out there have a safe season, and lets hope that we won't see a season like 05

Ditto!!

Hope all keep it safe this year.

Good luck for those "in da cone".

Tropical Depression Three to its east looks more interesting.

Too early to panic, but it's not to early to stock on season-long items like water containers, fuel for the stove, emergency rations, tools you've been meaning to get all year, etc - be ready to ramp up preparations if needed.

And if you're on the coast, it's a good time to check the elevation.

Here's a good site for tracking. Were ready to go but it may be into the gulf again heading back to New Orleans area.

http://www.stormpulse.com/fullscreen/current

those of us inland--and i mean really inland, will be keeping a close watch on the site to see how our fellow posters make out this year.

I have my order stuck in Miami right now... a generator, window A/C unit (can cool the whole first floor!), new bbq and other things that would be really helpful if a storm hits us. Just hoping the order gets released soon... I don't think we have to worry too much about Ana, its the storms in September and October that worry me.

A major part of our preps this year is forumla for the boys... two cases of the big cans cost a tonne of money but good for about 1-1/2 months if we planned it right.

2005 wasn't too bad of a season for us... it was 2004 that rocked our world. I'm really hoping there won't be a repeat of that for some time.

Wish everyone a uneventful hurricane season.

yeah, not too worried about Ana regardless of its path. Bill is gaining strength... looks like that will be one to watch out for in your neck of the woods if it doesn't head north.

Looks like Bill is gonna swing into the graveyard. One good thing about Ana and Bill though is around here it's prompting people to stock up, so even if it goes unused, their supplies will be ready for the rest of the season.

So having just finished a move to coastal Virginia, I'm now in hurricane country.

I'm pretty sure I'll be called in to work should something arise, nonetheless, any suggestions on things to add to my standard BOB/camping gear and vehicle kit?

I rent a condo w/ my girlfriend (she'll also get called in), so not super worried about "saving" the place should something horrible strike here. But, have my dog, and some friends to care for her should the need arise. (mental note, buy a muzzle).

Thoughts?

Having never lived anywhere hurricanes were a threat, I've only given that sort of thing passing thought. This may change soon however, and with that I think I'm going to chase down Wildman800's "HurCon" thread, along with Blast's "Hurricane Preps" and "Blast Does a Hurricane." Lots of good info in there from everyone - thanks!

One thing: What's the hospital's disaster response / evacuation plan?

Before we had kids (but had pets) our preps where scotch, food for all, cat litter, fans and radio's that run on batterys, and a place to crash if it gets bad... and yes, that was the order of priority!!!

Now we have a walk in closet full of stuff, more stuff coming down from the states and in a place that is on stilts on already high ground that can handle a cat 4 without blinking.

We are more focused on the aftermath not the storm. Tarps to cover the roof, building supplies to fix some basic stuff, generator to keep one room (or floor) in working order (a/c, fridge, etc), 12 five gallon bottles of water, petro for the vehicles and generator, bbq for the stove, etc.

Just make up your mind on what you want to do if the big one hits... stay put regardless of the situation, run and come back after the storm, or run and never come back. Answer that question and you have a goal for hurricane preps.

To be honesty, I have no clue. It might be somewhere in the stack of DVDs, CDs, and paperwork we got at orientation. All I know is there's a phone tree, and I bet I'll be called. I probably should stock some stuff in my cubicle there.

Not a bad question though, I'll see if I can dig it up.

Hurricane Bill looks like it may be more of a threat to the New York Area. The New York area is due another Cat 3-4 Hurricane (which seem to have a period every 60-80 years). Another Long Island Express perhaps. The track from the 1938 hurricane seems to be remarkably similar to the predicted track for Hurricane Bill. One to keep an eye on over the next week or so.

Hmmmm...wonder if that means I'm going to get that job out there after all. Splendid timing.