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One Year After Irene, Has Anything Changed?

Tropical Storm Irene rolled into Rhode Island a year ago this week — have you taken any steps to be ready in case of another storm?

 
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A gigantic tree fell right across the Greenway at the Station St. entrance.
Photos (6)

Photos

A view of Hurricane Irene this time last year.
A look at the National Hurricane Center's track for Irene last August.
Videos (3)

Videos

Gov. Chafee declares State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Irene.
A view of Rhode Island following Tropical Storm Irene, August, 2011.

 

It's been a year since Tropical Storm Irene roared into Rhode Island, leaving thousands without electrical power — and forcing Coventry to delay school opening until Sept. 6.

Many folks will also probably remember the run on batteries, especially D-types, that emptied nearly every local store. (I was only able to find them at Babies R Us in Warwick!)

Utility company National Grid, which officials and residents criticized last year for delays in restoring electrical service, this year issued a list of steps it's taken to be in better shape to respond to potential problems.

Now that we're back in hurricane season — although there's no immediate threat of a storm of Irene's power — it's a good time to ask: Have you done anything to prepare for another hurricane or tropical storm?

Did you go out and buy an electrical generator? Have you stocked up on water, canned food, candles, and batteries?

Or, will you worry about a storm once it's on the way?

Let us know in the comments — and click the "Upload photos and video" link to add your memories of Tropical Storm Irene from 2011.

Related Topics: Hurricane Irene Rhode Island, Hurricane Season 2012, and Remembering Hurricane Irene

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