It's been almost uncanny how the forecast tracks for Hurricane Gustav kept repeatedly showing a landfall at or near New Orleans.  Perhaps that relative certainty about the track of the storm helped encourage residents there they needed to leave.  Few have forgotten the lessons of Hurricane Katrina, where so many stayed and some died.  Those who survived may never forget the deplorable conditions they had to deal with in the aftermath of the storm.  No wonder 95% of New Orleans heeded the call to evacuate this time.

But what about us? Tropical Storm Hanna does not appear as menacing.  All of a sudden, though, North Carolina's included in the range of possibilities of where she could strike.  Will you prepare for the possibility of a storm?  At one point do you decide to get ready for a hurricane or tropical storm?  Are you already prepared?

I know I have some work to do to get myself ready to cover a potential storm.  I also have some work to do to make sure my husband and dog will have what they need if a storm hits.  This week is as good as time as any to get all the ducks in a row.