Speaking of hurricanes, with the season upon us, this week is the right time for all South Forkers to make sure preparations have been made.
Don’t wait until the disaster is barreling down upon us to race to the store and discover it’s already been swept clean of shelf-stable milk and double-A batteries. Print out a copy of your home insurance. If you live near the water, decide now where you’ll go; ask inland friends if you can come bunk with them in the event. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests gathering a three-day supply of nonperishable food (don’t forget the pets!) and more than three days’ worth of bottled water. Get your hands on a battery-operated radio and cellphone charger. You will want a flashlight for every member of the family; tape a name label on each one so there is no bickering. What about a battery-operated lantern or two? And how are you going to grind beans or percolate coffee if your Nespresso has no power to run? Coffee arrangements are clutch.
Speaking from experience, as long as everyone is safe and fed, a long power outage, provided damage is minimal, can be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to finally read Proust, as you’ve always said you would. Since the fridge may be out of commission, we suggest stocking up on red wine rather than white.