On the flip side -

Did Vermont not know Irene was coming? Did they take any steps at all to prepare?

I mean NC was in a prep-mode for a week before, had the EOC up and running well before the storm hit. FEMA had supplies pre-positioned at Fort Bragg ready to go. Private companies had extra clean up crews ready to rock. The power companies had extra crews in place to help out with damages.

You would think such a forward thinking, each to their abilites, each to their needs, the people come first type of place woulda been ready. (Yes, that was sarcasm)