A little disturbing


First this at CNN.com: Irene nears hurricane strength

Then this comes in my email:

The Governor's Office is seeking volunteers to staff its citizen hot line in the event that Irene actually impacts North Carolina. If you are interested and/or willing, please send to me your contact information so I can pass it along to the hot line coordinators.

Staffing this hot line is strictly voluntary. If you are interested, please send your name, phone numbers (including home, office and cell) and email address (work and home). Please also indicate which day(s) and shift(s) you would be willing to serve.

Shifts begin Monday morning at 7:00 a.m and run as follow:

7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
1:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m..

There is an overlap to allow the on-coming shift to be briefed by out-going shift. During the height of activity, this is particularly important. The hot line phone bank is located in the Administration Building downtown, and you will need your ID card to enter the building.

At this point, we have been asked to prepare for Monday and Tuesday of next week. If you are interested, please send your information to me by 4:00 p.m. today. I'll try to confirm times with any volunteers before 4:30 today.