Hi Lady,
I was looking through the posts and saw this and wanted to let you know that I have many friends there in NYC and they were pretty worried as well but everyone got through it and that is the important thing.
The one drawback to living in an area where you have neighbors so close is that you have no contol over THEIR actions. BUT!! YOU have control over YOUR actions and maybe to set your mind at ease, you can protect yourself in case this happens.
I guess this whole beating panic/anxiety issue revolves around our thought process, and maybe if you change yours a bit and instead of having your "Worried Observer" take over, have your "Take Control" Observer get in the drivers seat.
There are plenty of things YOU can do to protect YOU and put your mind at ease.
Add another smoke alarm above your front door both outside and inside.
Add a smoke alarm in the hall to the bedrooms, and even another one in front of your bedroom door. This way, you KNOW that if there is even the slightest amount of smoke, YOUR alarms will sound and alert you.
Get an evacuation ladder (one of those metal ones) for each of the bedrooms in the Townhouse so that if there is a fire, you can get out! They range in length, so make sure you buy on that can reach at least 5 feet from the ground outside your window.
I have a 3 story 100+ year old house, and all the kids bedrooms have them and mine too- piece of mind is a good thing.
Then, after you get all this done, YOU have safeguarded yourself and can TAKE CHARGE of YOU in an emergency situation if it arrises.
This is a REAL concern- one I would have if I was living in an apt or townhouse situation, so please dont feel your concerns are over the top. You just have to take charge and then maybe the anxiety level about the situation will ease a bit knowing that you are prepared IF something happens.
I hope this helps a bit and I am sorry I didnt see your post earlier- I have been struggling with my panic/anxiety pretty harsh here for the last few months and havent been online as much.
Have a great day and let me know if this helped.
:)
Beth