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New Canaanites Make Final Fuel Runs Before Irene

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Jane Kaliff was just making sure. Even though her home has a generator and plenty of food, Kaliff made a point to get to the New Canaan Gulf gas station to fill up her SUV before Hurricane Irene brings howling winds and pounding rain to town.

“I’ve got enough food to last me for a month,” said Kaliff, a resident of town of 16 years. “We're preparing for the worst and hoping for the best."

She wasn’t alone. Dozens of customers lined up at both downtown gas stations, filling up their cars as well as gas cans to have fuel on hand in the event of lengthy power outages. “I think people are worried.”

Diane Discenza, who lives in New Canaan and has a residence in New York City, filled up after arriving in town Friday. “I have lots of food, and I’ve always had plenty of water. We always have that,” Discenza said. “I think people are thinking smart. You’ve got to take precautions.”

New Canaan Gulf station manager Vic Qadir described Saturday's lines as “crazy” and said it’s been that way for a while.  “Last night, it was much worse,” Qadir said. “They just keep coming.”

But not everybody is in full-fledged panic. Jeff Kalman, 37, of Pound Ridge, N.Y., predicts Irene will be a tropical storm by the time it hits the area. “I’m excited,” said Kalman, who went to get Bruegger’s Bagels because grocery stores in Stamford were out of bread. “I’m a little concerned,” Kalman says, figuring his three children are more worried than he is.

Are you ready for the arrival of Hurricane Irene? What could you use more of to feel better about your situation? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by visiting our Facebook page.

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