Photo: NASA Goddard Photo and Video

Cars Floating on Wall Street, Lady Liberty turned off, Lower Manhattan power down, NJ flooding…Hurricane Sandy 101: What you need to know. {Will be Constantly Updated}

Experiencing Anxiety? #1, that’s natural and okay. Suppressing anxiety makes it worse. So remember: worry is useless (read this). Prepare what you can prepare, and there’s tips below that will be updated. Beyond that, practice equanimity (meditation instruction here). Do your best to be kind to yourself and your loved ones and we’ll get through this, as President Obama says at the bottom, together. ~ ed.

There’s no doubt this storm is serious. Take adequate preparation—that’s the best way to stay safe. Basic tips below and here: Get Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Hurricane Center.

Federal Emergency Management Agency’s up-to-the-minute recommendations:

• Follow the direction of local officials – If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Know the forecast in your area – Continue to monitor your NOAA Weather Radio and your local news for severe weather updates, warnings and watches. Follow your forecast at www.weather.gov on your computer or http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone.
• Turn around, don’t drown – The potential for heavy rains can also lead to flooding, or flash flooding in some areas.  Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous.
• Make final preparations – If you’re further inland, now is the time to make final preparations.  Be ready for power outages and stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, medications, and other supplies.
• Check on your neighbor – Make sure they’re ready, too.
• Finding shelters: Download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, or check your local media outlets.  You should also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. Finally, you can download the FEMA smartphone app or text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).  Standard rates apply
• Donate blood: If you’re not in an affected area, please consider donating blood, because numerous blood drives have been canceled as a result of the storm.

Tonglen meditation:

Smile at fear:

Fear & Fearlessness:

And if none of that helps…