The local paper here, the Raliegh News and Observer, has printed a list of what they recommend for the three-day scenario for Hurricane Dennis. I don't mean to sound like Scary Gary, but they must know that very few people will actually do this or else these items would vanish instantly from the shelves.

Come to think of it, how many folks out there buy three days worth of supplies of anything anymore? I can stop at any one of a dozen stores to and from town, and get whatever food, etc. I need that day. We don't habitually keep much in our fridge because we seldom eat leftovers and it just goes to waste.

If Dennis hits us like Fran did in '96, this list will be woefully inadequate at best. We had no power for 12 days and they got it back on just as things were starting to get tense and wierd. People were getting into fistfights in stores and starting to flip out. We still tell stories.

Now think: If even 20 per cent of the people took the three day Y2K option, and all of them decide to do it in late December, there is your bank run.

Link: http://www.ncstormtrack.com/guide/guide00.html

WHEN A STORM THREATENS

Put the following items into airtight plastic bags or containers: First aid kit. Battery-powered radio and flashlight, with plenty of fresh batteries. Battery-powered lanterns. Sanitary kit, including toilet paper and towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, personal hygiene items and plastic garbage bags with ties. Water: Store one gallon of water per person per day. Prepare a 3-day supply. Fill plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Food: Have enough food to feed your family for at least 3 days. Buy ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and special dietary and infant items. Cookies, hard candy and sweetened cereals make great stress snacks. Money: Cash will be invaluable in the event of widespread damage. Important papers: Pack them in waterproof containers or take them with you if you evacuate. Move all valuables to higher levels in your home. Fill your car with gas. Prepare for high winds by boarding up windows and other glass and anchor outside objects. Move boats and trailers close to the house and extend mooring lines of boats in the water. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as a family contact. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to reach your contact. Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons and children. Watch WRAL-TV5 News or go to http://www.ncstormtrack.com on the internet for critical information and storm coordinates.

-- Forrest Covington (theforrest@mindspring.com), August 27, 1999

Answers

I was in Charlotte when Hurricane Hugo hit....My apt building wasn't hit....

I went to the store the following morning to get some batteries. One lady had taken all the "D" batteries on the shelf....and there was not one pack left for me.. I asked her if she really needed to take all the batteries and not leave some for anyone else and she ignored me and walked on......

-- sk (scaredkatz@aol.com), August 27, 1999.

Forrest, the Durham Herald-Sun didn't even print a list. There's a really good one at

http://www.gopbi.com/weather/storm/getready/shoppinglist.html

and it could form the basis for a Y2K list. It even recommends two weeks' worth of some stuff. It's the Lowe's hurricane site, lots of good info. But don't sign up for the free e-mail storm position notifications--several of us here did that and were swamped with advisories!

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), August 27, 1999.