Rita in Houston - one more quick note.

One more quick note, people of Houston. If you're out and about getting gas and groceries and stuff, be nice to the people who work in the stores. They're getting paid largely minimum and near minimum wage, and are doing the best they can to help out. And if they weren't there, it would be a huge problem.

They're not going to get the respect like cops and firemen, but these folks are at their jobs doing everything they can to make sure that it all goes smoothly. And as a group, they are critical to the rest of us getting food and water. And they have families and homes that they're going to have to take care of after they finish their twelve hour day today.

So say a kind word, and if you get frustrated, take it out on the other shoppers. Leave the clerks and stockboys alone.