I'm from the North Shore, and Manhattan, but have a lot of friends in that area...one a block and a half away! She's O.K., though. I just came back from Long Beach, and mercifully, there were no signs of smoke from either the Towers or Rockaway. That beautiful beach really put gratitude to be alive back into my heart, and was deeply encouraging. With that and my friends at FR, it's not nearly as grim as it easily could be around here, for me.
I still carry my old Israeli gas masks and a flashlight and pocket knife wherever I go. Be Prepared.