Tropical Storm Hanna is coming ... at least that's what they're saying as of the moment. This morning the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch and a flood watch for Long Island and other parts of the tri-state region. I've seen many storm watches and warnings issued over the last few years and most haven't been nearly as bad as predicted, but who wants to take a chance? Hurricane Gloria, back in 1985, did a lot of damage to Long Island as did many hurricanes and tropical storms that hit this region.

The National Weather Service urges those living in all areas of Long Island and New York City to prepare for the impending storm. My husband promises to head down to the basement to search for flashlights and camping lanterns. We also have to make sure we have batteries available. A little later we're going to head out to the deck to take down our umbrella and secure the rest of our lawn furniture. After the garbage is collected tomorrow, we'll put our cans in the shed (I only hope the shed doesn't blow away). We have lots of water, but we have to go out to buy some food that doesn't require heating. If the power goes out, of course we won't be able to use our stove since it has electric ignition. Maybe we're over-preparing, but I rather say it was all for nothing than to be sitting here regretting not doing enough.

I can't recall a case when we lost power during a storm, but we have lost it several times over the years for no reason at all. When that happens, I always find myself searching for the right number to call. Of course, when the power's out I can't go online to look up the number and have to rely on the phone book (if I can find it) and old bills. Here's how to contact LIPA in case you lose power (write this down now):

• 1-800-490-0075 if you lose power or see a downed power line
• 1-800-490-0025 if someone in your home is on life support and you lose power

Additional Resources:
Preparing for a Hurricane
Long Island Hurricane History
Emergency Preparation: Hurricane Survival
Surviving Floods
Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning Up After a Flood

After seven years as the About.com Guide to Long Island, I have decided to step down. Making this decision was difficult as I have loved writing about Long Island and sharing information with you since I took over this site in June of 2001. I will remain a member of the About.com family as I continue as the Guide to Career Planning, which I have been since 1997 (Stop over there to visit me.).

Until a new Long Island Guide is hired, I will continue to blog about Long Island. Visit this blog to learn about Long Island news, upcoming events, info on restaurants, news and other topics pertinent to living on the Island. Note that I will not update event calendars and other information on the Long Island site, but not to worry. If there's something you need to know, you'll find it right here! If you have something you want to share with me (news of an upcoming event, for example) or if you have a question, you can send an email to me at careerplanning.guide@about.com.

Are you an experienced writer who is knowledgeable about Long Island? If so, you could be About.com's next Long Island Guide. Take a look at our Be a Guide section to find out how to apply. This site should appear soon on the list of available sites.

^{Posted by Dawn Rosenberg McKay}

When I received an email announcing the Moriches Rotary Duck BBQ and Big Duck Race I had to pause for a moment. I wondered, does this fundraising event celebrate ducks, as in "quack quack" or does it celebrate duck as in "tasty poultry?" I, for one, can't do both at the same time. It reminded me of something that happened when my daughter was in kindergarten. Her class hatched chicken eggs in an incubator. When the chicks got too big to keep in the classroom, they gave them to a farm out east. To say goodbye to the chicks, the teacher decided to have a party. She recruited two moms (I was one of them) to make scrambled eggs for the class. I found this very disturbing, but I found the entire year with this teacher very disturbing. That, however, is a story for another day.

Now back to the Moriches Rotary Duck BBQ to be held on Sunday, September 7 at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches (directions to Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck). The event will benefit the camp, which serves children with disabilities, so if you have any issues with eating duck and watching a duck race, try to set them aside (or just don't eat any). The camp and this event are sponsored by the Moriches Rotary Club. There will be two duck races beginning at 3 p.m. on Kaler's Pond. Prizes will be awarded. Duck will be served from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Gates open at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you want a duck dinner, it costs $25. You can buy tickets from any Rotary member at the event or in advance by calling the camp at (631) 878-1070. Credit cards are accepted. A Porsche will be raffled off during the event. Tickets cost $100 each and only 1500 will be sold. You can buy them there or in advance by contacting William LeMaire by phone at (631) 664-6300 or by email at williamlemaire@remax.net.

The first Broadway show my husband and I took our daughter to was Suessical! That was several years ago. The show didn't last very long on Broadway. I believe the producers brought in Rosie O'Donnell and then teen pop star Aaron Carter to try to sell tickets but to no avail. I couldn't understand why since we thought the show was very enjoyable. There have been performances of Suessical! at various venues since then including one we saw at our district's middle school.

Next month, you can see Suessical! live at the LICM Theatre in Garden City. On Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m., Saturday, September 27 at Noon and 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m. the Long Island Children's Museum and the Cultural Arts Playhouse will present this show, based on characters created by Dr. Suess, including the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. Purchase tickets by calling (866) 811-4111. Adult tickets cost $20 each ($17 for LICM members). Tickets for students and seniors are $18 each. A service fee will be added on. Group discounts are available. LICM recommends this show for those ages 3 and up.