Editor, Gazette-Journal:

My family and I relocated back to Gloucester last summer following 19 years of living in the Northeast. While we knew we would face storms during the hurricane season, we felt prepared when it was announced that Hurricane Irene was bearing down on Gloucester and the surrounding areas. While we were used to snow and ice, we listened and read what was suggested and completed each item.

The days leading up the hurricane, my husband and I noticed that unlike where we used to live, it seemed important to the community and the media that residents were prepared and took appropriate measures to remain safe. This would not have occurred in our previous state of residence. Thanks to many here, if we needed shelter, we knew which one. If we needed to park a car, RV or boat, we knew where. If we needed supplies, Lowe’s was open for business. Even grocery stores were stocking shelves quickly to ensure customers were able to purchase water, food and other emerge...