SOMA Gets Set for Hurricane Sandy

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Maplewood and South Orange residents are reacting in different ways to the threat of Hurricane Sandy slamming the area early next week.

Some are taking all possible precautions, while others are just hoping the storm hooplah is overblown.

"This morning I picked up prescriptions, a extra couple of flashlights, ice and an extra long extension cord for the generator we bought after " said Maplewood resident Sara Agress. "I'll probably fill the tub with water on Sunday night in case there are problems with the water supply."

She also plans to bring in flower pots, trash cans and chairs from the yard so they don't blow around, and will check that items in the basement are off the floor. 

"We had flood damage after Irene, and now most things are in plastic bins and on shelves," Agress said. 

In South Orange, Gail Davis ordered a cord of wood that was being delivered on Friday, in case the power goes out and the family needs to huddle by the fire. Also on Davis' storm prep list: making a pan of baked ziti that can be reheated on the stovetop.

Sara D'Andrea of Maplewood said her husband, Scott, had searched in vein for a generator for the last five days. "Everywhere is sold out," she said, including all local Home Depots, Lowes and Sears. Meanwhile, she has stocked up on batteries and plans to fill the pantry with dry goods.

Maplewood resident (and teen librarian at the Mapelwood Memorial Library) Irene Langlois is buying extra food, batteries and firewood. "I am also taking books and movies out of the library, charging my Nook and downloading eBooks from the library," said Langlois.

Kathy Murphy of South Orange had this advice: "Before the storm comes, make sure everyone in the house has showered, all laundry is done and all dishes are clean. in case you don't have water, you're okay for a few days."

"I am just hoping to get home to Maplewood on Sunday," said Marli Craig, who is currently in Dallas with her husband, Todd, for their 20th college reunion. 

One Maplewood mother of three confessed that she hasn't really done anything yet to prepare for the potential hurricane. Instead, she is going about her business as usual.

"It's the 'bury your head in the sand' plan," she said.

Visit the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website to get more information on how to prepare for the storm.