Sandy was very instructive for many people. Fortunately, my relatives all followed my advice. They loaded up on canned food and water. They also quickly discovered something I did not think much about during the two weeks they had no power — cash is king. They each went to the ATM and withdrew a couple of grand each and topped off their cars and filled gas cans. When the power went off, some stores and restaurants restored power within a few days. These stores took only cash because the ATMs were down. My parents were able to buy some items because of this. My uncle and dad had portable generators. They would host parties with their neighbors. They providing the power, the neighbors providing the food. A short time barter arrangement. Some neighbors had “connections” and were able to get gas where none could be obtained normally.
All in all, my relatives were doing better than most during Sandy. Sandy was a short term inconvenience for them, but it was a deathly/near deathly experience for many.
Sandy taught me (or reminded me, really) of the great smell of coffee brewing in an agate percolator over a fire.
Also reminded me to check on all equipment every few months to ensure they’re in working order and you have easy access to them.
In a panic situation, those extra minutes count - as much as we like to think we’re calm cool and collected.
The ATM suggestion is great. I forgot about that. Thanks.