The American Red Cross is setting up dozens of shelters across the East Coast. Shelters can be located on a map the organization maintains on is Web site. The Red Cross can also be contacted at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The US Defense Department has told over 6,000 active duty troops to stand by and make sure they are ready just in case there's an order for them to help with Hurricane Irene relief work.
This special request for stand by help comes from officials of the states in the path of the storm.
Meanwhile FEMA has mobilized their troops along the coastline, including New York and New Jersey to assist with as many resource and personnel requests.
"There has been Lots of panic buying", the words from City Island Supermarket owner Gabe Scavello. He says he still has plenty of food supplies, but adds that he is running out of batteries and reports his water supplies are extremely low. Gabe says he has seen a 50% increase in traffic over a normal day at IGA.
Metro Transit Authority officials have canceled all employee time off to close the America's largest subway system, which usually carries about 6 millions passengers a day and covers around 840 miles of track. These include, the #6, 5 2 Trains and all subway lines and 29. 12 Buses. MTA system-wide will shut down and railways in the states of New York and New Jersey.
IRENE GETTING CLOSER. Arrives Sunday Morning.
SLIGHTLY WEAKER. Will Rock New York.
PREPARE FOR WORST. Dangerous Flooding Conditions.
TRANSIT SHUTDOWN - BRIDGE TOLLS SUSPENDED. Whitestone, Throgsneck...etc.
BIG APPLE. Bug Vibes About The Wrath of Hurricane Irene.
Irene is heading toward our shores and is expected to hit New York Sunday. This is a serious threat with the very real potential to inflict damage to our communities. Senator Klein urges all of us to follow precautions so that together we may limit any damage that Irene may cause.
The MTA will begin suspending all subway and bus services tomorrow at noon. Please note that the Alive N Kickin Concert scheduled for August 29th at 7:00 PM at Ambrosini Field on City Island will be rescheduled for Wedsneday August 31st at 7:00 PM due to Irene.
Due to the approaching storm, NY Botanical Gardens will be closed this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. Science Open House events will be rescheduled to a future date.
Also, if you see this dangerous plant anywhere, be careful it's a Hogweed and make sure you take any and all additional precautions. Do not touch this plant.
Great White Shark Caught Illegally--Video
A group of fishermen caught a juvenile great white shark off a Huntington Beach, Calif., pier and can be seen jubilantly celebrating their capture on a video posted to YouTube.
However, great whites are protected -- perhaps the very reason the fishermen may have tried to obscure the nature of their catch by proclaiming it a "beautiful mako shark."
http://email.hbinc.com/n.asp?n=261575&sid=2741&eid=673229&cat=News
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Please find attached PDF files of the Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide, which includes important information about what to do before, during, and after a storm, as well as a map of the City's hurricane evacuation zones and centers.
https://attachments.sendwordnow.com/Attachments.aspx?token=b5bfde88-da8…
IRENE is a big and powerful storm, which has not been seen in the NY Metropolitan area for decades. Officials say our greatest threat will come from powerful winds and severe flooding conditions.