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  • #2171597

    What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

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    by av . ·

    Oh no, here we go again! Another freak storm wreaking havoc on a large part of the east coast almost a year to the day of the freak October snow storm of 2011 that hit NJ.

    Well, last year I had no power for 5 days . No water, except what I had in water jugs and the bathtub, no sewer, no lights and limited internet access through a 56k modem and a landline phone. I had firewood to keep warm. I lost the entire contents of my refrigerator and freezer.

    I thought I could just stay in a hotel somewhere, but every hotel for 50 miles, except some real fleabag places, was booked solid. This time, because of the size of the storm, I will likely not be able to find a place to stay, so I will be on my own.

    If you are affected by the storm, what are you doing to prepare? Do you have any good tips or ideas for me? I think I may be toughing this one out at home.

    AV

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    Replies
    • #2434425

      Well its nice to know at least we have some hurricane music

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      We have our finger on the pulse of whats important here in NJ.

      http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/10/hurricane_sandy_new_jersey_fra.html#incart_river_default

      They forgot the link to last tune, but here it is.

      AV

    • #2434417

      I live in a field, far away from water, so….

      by slayer_ ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Probably sit around and play video games, same thing I always do :).

      I do hope this doesn’t cause any more disasters where people get hurt. Hurricanes seem to be getting worse every year.

      • #2434414

        They do seem to be worse, with the emphasis on the seem – from what

        by deadly ernest ·

        In reply to I live in a field, far away from water, so….

        we know of past hurricanes and tornadoes etc they aren’t any worse than before. It’s just that we now know about them all instead of just the few that hit communities. Also, due to the expanding urban development and sprawl they’re doing more dollar damage simply because there’s more there for them to damage than there was before, along with more people in the areas they hit. Mind you we only really get damage reports on those that hit land where people live; we get next to nothing on those that stay out at sea.

    • #2434412
      Avatar photo

      Well all I can suggest after living through a few cyclones here

      by hal 9000 ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Is batten down the hatches bring in anything that can be blown away and enjoy.

      Though I must admit that having a Internet connection even through dial up is a great advantage. Not something that I’ve ever had after a cyclone. :_|

      Just remember that petrol generators can kill so don’t run one in a closed room, I have seen some actually do it and then they wonder why they die.

      Col

      • #2434411

        Bet the ones who run the generators in a closed room don’t wonder

        by deadly ernest ·

        In reply to Well all I can suggest after living through a few cyclones here

        why they die for long after dying! Maybe while they’re dying.

      • #2434386

        I have my iPhone hotspot now too

        by av . ·

        In reply to Well all I can suggest after living through a few cyclones here

        So, I can use the phone and when my laptop runs out of power, I can use a dialup modem and my landline with one of my older laptops. They are not wi-fi enabled, they have modems. It pays to save old equipment sometimes.

        I don’t have a generator, unfortunately, but maybe its better so I don’t kill myself. It would be very dangerous to run it here because of all the trees. Usually, I would just pack up and head to a hotel, but the storm we are getting is so big, there isn’t anywhere for me to go within a reasonable driving distance, so I’ll just have to rough it.

        At least I’ll have the internet for awhile.

        AV

    • #2434410

      Well, if it’s a snow storm again…

      by ansugisalas ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      take advantage of nature’s own refrigerator… Build some snow pits for your stuff. It might not be good enough for refreezing the stuff after power comes back on, but it will make the food keep long enough for you to eat it.
      Another tip is that an outdoor grill works just fine in the winter too… Of course a lidded one is the best but they all get the job done. Lets you cook and boil water as long as the fuel lasts.

    • #2434397

      Lots of canned goods

      by purpleskys ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Propane for the Bbq, handheld can opener, flashlights, batteries, candles, blankets, fill tub with water and have lots of bottled water, sandbags if you think they are needed, and a big prayer from us. Please stay safe.

    • #2434387

      I spent most of the day preparing

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      The stores are just mobbed here, but I managed to get extra batteries, and lots of canned goods. I even got firewood bundles, as that will be my only source of heat. I have some water, but will likely fill up all of my stock pots and whatever else I can find. Water is scarce in the stores.

      Last time, I filled the bathtub and that came in real handy for flushing the toilet (we have a septic tank). When the power goes out, we don’t have that either.

      I’m going on a canned food diet once the power goes out. Sardines, tuna fish, canned chicken and the like. My stove is electric, so I can’t cook anything. We have a gas grill with a burner, but being that we will be getting 10 inches of rain and have high winds, it might not be a good idea to be outside.

      I guess its like camping in bad conditions. 🙁

      I did set up my iPhone as a hotspot this afternoon. Verizon got me for $20, but its worth it. I also bought phone chargers for the iPhone for the car.

      I really wish I had a way to heat things like hot water for coffee up though. The only thing I was able to get was a plug-in cup for my car. I’m hoping I can at least get it to warm up a cup of coffee in the morning. We’ll see.

      AV

      • #2434372

        Good luck!

        by ansugisalas ·

        In reply to I spent most of the day preparing

        May things go well.

      • #2434363

        Heating water for coffee

        by maxwell edison ·

        In reply to I spent most of the day preparing

        Go to your local camping store and buy a Jet Boil stove with a couple of small propane gas canisters. It will boil water in an amazing two minutes, thereby saving fuel. Cost about $75.

        Add a few packages of those freeze dried meals (at about $5 – $10 each), and you’ll be feasting in style!

        • #2434329

          Trust the veteran scoutmaster on that, AV…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Heating water for coffee

          I wager it’s a toss-up whether or not a ranger school instructor could provide better advice on gear.

        • #2434319

          Oh yum, freeze dried meals

          by av . ·

          In reply to Heating water for coffee

          Those Jet Boil stoves look really nice but I won’t be able to be outside until after the storm passes. The winds will be too strong and I expect that I will be spending a lot of time in my basement when they reach 70mph. I thought maybe I could use that on my mud porch, but I’m afraid to be out there because its almost all windows.

          Maybe my car plug-in coffee cup will enable me to have some warm, crappy instant coffee. We have one car in the garage that is part of the basement, so I’m hoping it works, even if it takes an hour.

          If we lose power and can’t get it back for maybe 10 days, I’m getting the heck out of here. I don’t know where to, but what did you say your address was? LOL

          AV :^0

        • #2434307

          They have stoves for use inside tents…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Oh yum, freeze dried meals

          There’s no other way to survive high mountain climbing or arctic travel.
          If it’s safe for use inside a flammable tent, your basement should be fine if you have airflow. Otherwise just wait for a calmer moment and climb up to the top of the basement stairs.

      • #2434345
        Avatar photo

        Just remember

        by hal 9000 ·

        In reply to I spent most of the day preparing

        Keep your head down and don’t look out the windows. Seeing bits of roofing iron coming towards you is quite unnerving. That’s speaking from experience. 😉

        Stay away from outside walls in the direction that the wind is coming from and partially open the windows on the side that the wind isn’t. That saves a build up of pressure and the roof provided the walls stay intact of course. 😀

        The last cyclone I was in I wanted to go scuba diving but unfortunately no where near enough air was available so I just sat things out in a comfy chair reading a book. Being underwater would have been much calmer but unfortunately it was not to be. 🙁

        Col

        • #2434317

          Don’t look out the windows (sounds like a B horror movie)

          by av . ·

          In reply to Just remember

          We got hit by a microburst here once and I watched the top of a 75 ft. tree go past my window sideways. That was enough to send me right to the basement. The gutters on my house ended up being mangled and torn out by the wind. Believe me, I will not be looking out the windows!

          I hear you about opening the windows on the opposite side of the house from where the wind is blowing. I didn’t do that when we had the microburst, and I could feel a vacuum inside the house that made it feel like the roof was going to be sucked off. The pressure was unbelievable. I was in the basement at the time, praying.

          Oh geez, Hal. Why would you want to be in the water during a cyclone?! The ocean would just swallow you up and bounce you around like a pebble. Its so much better that you were in a comfy chair reading a book or we wouldn’t be having this discussion today.

          AV

        • #2433163

          Under the ocean is a great place to be in a storm

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to Don’t look out the windows (sounds like a B horror movie)

          All the wave action is at the top of the water. Once you get below about 30-40 feet, you don’t even know anything is happening up top unless you look up to see.

          The only thing that affects the whole water column is a tsunami.

        • #2434281

          Roofing iron

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Just remember

          Real estate ‘For Sale’ signs are great too. At 125 mph, they do double-duty as wind-borne guillotines.

        • #2433190
          Avatar photo

          Real Estate signs are not so much an issue here

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to Roofing iron

          Mainly because the Real Estate Offices are way to cheap to have metal signs any more and in the areas that are hit by cyclones commonly by law they are not allowed to have anything but those 3 layer plastic signs that simply crumple.

          Still not something I would want to be hit by with a strong wind gust but fortunately by that stage they have mostly all disappeared. 😉

          Col

      • #2434282

        Remember, the time to stock up

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to I spent most of the day preparing

        is AFTER this storm, not just before the next one!

        Also, public fountains can be a great source of non-potable water. Lousy for drinking, but also great for flushing the john.

        Heating small things? Before the next storm, go to any camping supply store and get some Sterno and one of the small folding cooktops that fit the can. After Hugo, we cooked over the kerosene heater. It’s slow, but it will heat a griddle or small saucepan.

    • #2434359

      Be safe, AV.

      by boxfiddler ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Prayer and positive thoughts headed your way. 🙂

      • #2434318

        Thanks Boxie

        by av . ·

        In reply to Be safe, AV.

        I hope it won’t be that bad where I live. The major brunt of this storm will hit on the same day as the snowstorm from last year, Oct. 30. Mischief Night, in this case Mother Nature’s mischief.

        I know I will lose more trees because I have 4 acres of them, I just hope they are not the ones near the house like what happened last year. The next house I buy will NEVER have so many freakin’ trees. They are just a nightmare in a storm like this. Just watching them sway in the heavy winds gives me major stress. Eek!

        Well, I’m going to try to make lemonade out of lemons with this storm. I made sure to stock up on wine, which always helps to improve the mood.

        AV :^0

    • #2434296

      So far, so good

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      I still have power and I’m so thankful for that. We’ve had some pretty strong wind gusts though, so I don’t know for how long. The worst of the storm didn’t even hit us yet.

      Today will be a real nail-biter.

      AV

      • #2434290

        i’ve been watcing

        by purpleskys ·

        In reply to So far, so good

        keeping tabs on ya 😉 . I’ve been semi glued to CNN most of this afternoon. It sure looks like it’s gonna be nasty; please stay safe, we’ll be saying a prayer for everyone

        • #2434280

          PS, how are you and ~D doing?

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to i’ve been watcing

          Is this pushing some wind and water your way later in the week?

        • #2433188

          we’re going to be fine here

          by purpleskys ·

          In reply to PS, how are you and ~D doing?

          we’re not expecting to get any more than a little rain (for a couple days) and maybe some gusts up to 70 k/hr. Doesn’t sound like there will be any tidal surge up the Bay of Fundy either. We’re very lucky this time. We’re saying our prayers for all our friends in Sandy’s path.

        • #2434278

          The winds are so incredible

          by av . ·

          In reply to i’ve been watcing

          I still have power, fortunately. There hasn’t been as much rain as they predicted where I live, but the winds are horrific. We have some 60mph gusts and they are just so scary, I pray every time we get one.

          AV

        • #2433189
          Avatar photo

          Well AV as they say

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to The winds are so incredible

          Chin Up Chest Out and Enjoy.

          Things are starting to get [b]Really Interesting[/b] in your neck of the woods now and should get even [b]More Interesting[/b] over the next few hours. According to the news here things should be [b]Extremely Interesting[/b] within the next 4 hours.

          The only real problem with being in a basement is in the event of a tree demolishing the house you may be trapped there for a very long time, but on the up side if it happens early enough in the storm most of the rubble will be blown away so you’ll be able to get out. However that’s not something I would care to experience or recommend for anyone else to live through.

          Just to make your day I’m going out now to take some photos of the plants a bit of sunshine will do me the world of good. 😉

          [i]edited to add[/i] Remember the Old Chinese Curse [b]May You Live in Interesting Times.[/b]

          Col

        • #2433177

          Good old Col…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Well AV as they say

          Always has an uplifting word.

        • #2433176

          Keep us posted, if possible.

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to The winds are so incredible

          If you don’t find the time or if the power’s out, it’s ok; when we run out of fingernails to bite, we have finger enough to last us a few days.
          Going gets mighty slow once the nails run out.

    • #2433174

      AV, you out there?

      by charliespencer ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Let us know if you’ve dried out.

      • #2433162

        I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

        by av . ·

        In reply to AV, you out there?

        We have no power of course. I’m amazed my house is still standing. We had about 4or 5 hours of 60-70mph winds. It took down a lot of trees and branches. Most people have no power in NJ and there is widespread devastation.

        I have never seen such destruction in my life. I have no heat, no hot water and nowhere to go because everyone else has nothing either. I probably will have no power for almost 10 days. So I’m just taking it one day at a time.

        Even our NJ radio station is out except for online. The best thing I did was turn my iPhone into a hotspot so I can use the laptop from time to time until the power runs out on it. I’ll have to find somewhere to charge it.

        Things could be a lot worse, especially if I lived near the ocean. The shore areas were hit the hardest. The funny thing last night when the winds were raging and I opened the door a crack, is that I could smell the ocean air and I live 50 miles inland. Very strange.

        AV

        • #2433160

          Glad your ok

          by slayer_ ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          And that your house survived.

        • #2433158

          Glad you’re ok

          by purpleskys ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          We’re praying that things get back to some sense of normalcy for you soon.

        • #2433152
          Avatar photo

          Glad to hear you are doing well.

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          Now the real work begins

          Cleaning Up after the event. You have my sincerest condolences.

          Col 😉

        • #2433148

          Ugh.

          by cmiller5400 ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          I have no power at home as well. The power lines behind my house came down and they were LIVE :O The local utility doesn’t want to admit when they will be here to fix (we have called 3 or 4 times and they keep saying in 4 hours for the last 24 hours). All my neighbors around me have electricity X-(

        • #2433143

          You might be lucky in a way

          by av . ·

          In reply to Ugh.

          The power company will probably come to you first because you have live wires. I’m not sure where you’re at, but I wish you luck in getting your power restored. I know I’m out of luck for a long while.

          AV

        • #2433122

          It is back on now, thankfully

          by cmiller5400 ·

          In reply to You might be lucky in a way

          But the power company came out immediately and shut it down. It took them 26 hours and multiple phone calls to get it restored. My biggest gripe was that they kept on giving me a time (4 hours) for repair. Well if it is going to take a day or two say so. Don’t keep stringing me along, I know that you are busy so I can understand the delay, but be honest about it is all I ask.

          My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone affected by this nasty storm.

        • #2433029

          I’m happy to hear your power is back

          by av . ·

          In reply to It is back on now, thankfully

          I thought they might come to you first because of the live wires. I can’t even imagine how the utility companies deal with millions of people with no power. What a job. I know its so aggravating to deal with them. I’d love it if they could give you a time, but they never do.

          AV

        • #2433146

          Good to hear you’re still there

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          My brother and his family are in Westfield and we haven’t heard from them at all.

        • #2433144

          They have no power there either

          by av . ·

          In reply to Good to hear you’re still there

          My nephew lives in Westfield as well. NJ is pretty much out of power for the most part. I found a supermarket that had power today where I live and there was a line of people out the door just for coffee!

          AV

        • #2433136

          That was nice!

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to They have no power there either

          My largest customer has backup generators installed, primarily to keep them running during commercial power outages. After major storms, though, they are able to get back up and running as soon as they finish cleaning up the store. And as long as they have fuel!

        • #2433135

          The Westfield mayor

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to They have no power there either

          states in an update on the town website (www.westfieldnj.gov):

          “Although some of our fellow residents have suffered some property damage and those of us without power will be inconvenienced, the very good news is that there have been no serious storm-related injuries to our residents or to our emergency services and public works personnel who worked all night long under horrific conditions.”

          I’ll take that as good news!

        • #2433139

          Added to the prayer list.

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to Good to hear you’re still there

          Best for their health and well-being. 🙂

        • #2433067

          Any word yet?

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to Good to hear you’re still there

          *fingers crossed*

        • #2433044

          No direct word yet

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to Any word yet?

          The best word I’ve gotten so far is the announcement I linked to above: “no serious storm-related injuries to our residents or to our emergency services and public works personnel”.

        • #2433032

          I have another friend in Westfield

          by av . ·

          In reply to No direct word yet

          She has no power, yet my nephew has power. I know they have a terrible problem getting gas there even if the power comes on. Supposedly, they reopened NY harbor and are now allowing foreign oil tankers in and as the power gets restored, it should ease the gas crunch.

          I don’t understand why a town like Westfield should be without power for so long. Its a major city. I’m going to email my friend and see whats up with her and I’ll let you know what she says.

          AV

        • #2432987

          They don’t ever give specific information

          by av . ·

          In reply to No direct word yet

          Then they would have to live up to what they said.

          My friend in Westfield said her power would be restored by 11/11. She has no phone service either. Gas is hard to get. Too many people and not enough gas stations. We are on gas rationing now – odd and even days to get gas. Just like the ’70s. That actually works out better than having everyone in line all at once because the stations keep running out of gas.

          Hope your family is ok. Westfield supposedly has a lot of tree damage. There are a lot of big old trees there. The bad thing is that we may get another Nor’easter here on Tuesday night. This one could be snow.

          I hope not.

          AV

        • #2433142

          Glad to hear you’re OK, the rest is minor stuff -nt

          by deadly ernest ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          nt

        • #2433140

          So glad to know

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          you’re still with us. (((hugs)))

          Not stopping with the prayer and positive thought.

        • #2433120

          Good to hear from you.

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          Here’s the now-standard ration of sympathy and hugs.

        • #2433107

          I was worried about that basement and flash flooding combination…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to I’m ok, but we’re devastated here

          But 50 miles is pretty good. If the waters would have risen enough to cover 50 miles, well, odds are the winds would have blown the basement to smithereens before that.

    • #2433091

      Still no power and not looking like I’ll have it for awhile

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Oh, this is real challenging now. We are running out of gas here in NJ and there are long gas lines at the stations that have gas. That really limits any travel I can do and locally there is only one supermarket open, but they don’t have much food. People are actually getting into fights at the gas stations because they run out of fuel.

      There is a water shortage as well. FEMA is providing water at the one and only shelter near my house. So far I have enough for a day or two, but after that, I will be heading over to the shelter.

      Its pretty cold at night. I still have some firewood, but am going to save it because the temps will be heading down in the next couple of nights to near freezing.

      All I can do is take one day at a time.

      AV

      • #2433089

        Gasoline

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to Still no power and not looking like I’ll have it for awhile

        I’m surprised the stations have power to run the pumps. If they don’t have power at the storage depots, they won’t be able to fill trucks and deliver more.

        If you head for the shelter, take a deck of cards, Yahtzee dice or other non-powered forms of entertainment. Also take ear plugs, if you have them, and your own flashlight.

      • #2433068

        Hang in there, AV.

        by boxfiddler ·

        In reply to Still no power and not looking like I’ll have it for awhile

        We’re pulling for you.

        I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of hell things are up there. All I’ve got for you folks is hugs and prayers. And I’ll keep sending them your way.

    • #2433047

      A Catholic Priest, an Imam and a Rabbi…

      by ansugisalas ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      all claim Sandy is God’s punishment for gay marriage laws.
      Funny how Denmark has had gay marriages for decades and still no hurricanes…
      God must only disapprove of gay marriage in tropical storm zones 😀

      • #2433041

        Heck, I can do better than that

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to A Catholic Priest, an Imam and a Rabbi…

        It’s nice that they’ve found common ground across their differing beliefs.

        You may have heard about a midwestern US congregation that claims US servicemen die in the Middle East because of gay marriage. They show up at service members’ funerals with their protest signs and loudspeakers.

        Charming but the Constitution says they have the right to show their @$$es, even at the gravesides of those who died in the name of defending those same rights.

        • #2433039

          Ayep, and a group known as Patriot Riders turn up to form a line and

          by deadly ernest ·

          In reply to Heck, I can do better than that

          keep them Bapto rectums away from the funeral – Go Patriot Riders!

        • #2433014

          Westboro Baptists…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Heck, I can do better than that

          staunchly raising up the numbers of irreligious Americans with every breath they take :^0

        • #2433007

          what’s worse is the heathens claim to be Christians but don’t follow any of

          by deadly ernest ·

          In reply to Westboro Baptists…

          the Christian tenets or teachings. Though they do a nice round of pagan teaching.

        • #2432980

          Um, you mean the people who aren’t crazy?

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to what’s worse is the heathens claim to be Christians but don’t follow any of

          Anyone who follows Christian tenets has overlooked some crucial parts of the OT… like, it being for Jews. :^0

        • #2432953

          Dood.

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to Um, you mean the people who aren’t crazy?

          It’s the old contract between God and the Hebrews. The New Testament is the new contract between God and everyone. Jesus expanded the contract, without diminishing the original.

        • #2432949

          exactly, and he taught acceptance of individuals -nt

          by deadly ernest ·

          In reply to Dood.

          nt

        • #2432935

          If’n you think you can trust the disciples and apostles, that is…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Dood.

          Bunch of hippies if you ask me.

        • #2432833

          I’ll trust

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to Dood.

          a bunch of hippies any day. Particularly in light of the behavior of other categories of people. :^0

        • #2434113

          On most things I’d agree…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Dood.

          but when it comes to what the hippies claim they’ve seen with their own eyes, I start to get a little suspicious :^0

        • #2432946

          From this atheist’s viewpoint,

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Um, you mean the people who aren’t crazy?

          all religions are crazy, especially those that rely on self-contradictory texts and scriptures.

        • #2432934

          I dunno about that…

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to From this atheist’s viewpoint,

          Wouldn’t it be more crazy if people followed a book that came right out and said “This is a control and extortion scam, do as the priests tell you”.

    • #2433030

      Still No power, but they cut down some trees on the powerlines

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      Thank you everyone for your hugs and prayers, it is much appreciated. This has really been Hell week for me and everyone in NJ/NY.

      Everyday is an adventure to see if you can get food, gas, whatever. Where I live, which is more of a rural area, there is very little open. Today, finally I saw power trucks. The diners are open and I was able to have a nice late lunch. It sure beats cooking out in the pitch black, cold back yard at night.

      Today, I got to go to the Red Cross comfort station that is set up in the YMCA near my house. I had to wait for 2 hours for a shower, but it was soooo worth it. All of the volunteers were just so nice and helpful. Oh, the things you take for granted. I only have half a tank of gas left, so I can’t go far. There are still no gas stations open in many places. There was one briefly, but the minute people find out that there is a gas station open, a big long gas line forms. People can’t get gas for their generators either and its cold here. We lucked out today and were able to buy some more firewood for a couple of nights. We couldn’t survive without it.

      It is amazing to see the convoys of utility trucks from as far as Colorado and New Mexico. I am so very thankful to see those people because there is so much damage here and people are really desperate. I can’t believe how everyone across the country has pitched in to try to put this state back together. All of the damage, and especially at the shore areas is really sad. Some people lost everything. Our governor Christie has been amazing in pulling everything together.

      I heard from a few of the people at the YMCA that I might have power back by the end of the weekend. I hope so because its going to be in the 20’s on Sunday night. BRRR. I’m praying for that because I’m so sick of living like this.

      Hats off to Verizon’s hot spot and the iPhone. Its my lifeline to the outside world.

      AV

      • #2433025

        Hang tough.

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to Still No power, but they cut down some trees on the powerlines

        I remember after Hugo driving 90 minutes or so to rent a hotel room for the afternoon just so we could take showers. I’m sure the desk clerk wondered what my wife and I were up to when we checked out after a couple of hours…

      • #2432985

        more huge hugs

        by purpleskys ·

        In reply to Still No power, but they cut down some trees on the powerlines

        I only wish I were close enough so they were close enough to keep you warm and lend you some strength to get through this rough time. We were lucky when Juan went through here, we were only without power for about a week and it wasn’t that cold. My mom got power back quickly so we were able to take showers there. Darryl and I always keep a couple tanks of propane for the bbq now in case it ever happens again. We also have quite the camping kit with a couple toss away charcoal grills, a coleman stove and little tanks that we try to keep stocked up as well.

        I’m praying it comes together sooner rather than later for you all.

      • #2432952

        Oh, AV!

        by boxfiddler ·

        In reply to Still No power, but they cut down some trees on the powerlines

        Hang in there. (((hugs))) and you’re still in my prayers.

        Our wood supply is seriously low, I’m making a call tomorrow. 😐

    • #2432937

      Still nothing

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      This is day 8 of no power in the war zone that is New Jersey. Gas rationing has helped with the lines but the odd/even days to fill up are a little inconvenient. Thankfully my sister has power so I’m staying with her. Thats great because temps here are going to be in the 20’s tonight.

      I may have power by Weds., but no one really knows for sure. I’m getting storm weary, but Weds. night we are getting another Nor’easter. I hope it won’t be bad, but its not going to help.

      Thanks for your continued hugs and prayers.

      AV

    • #2432931
      Avatar photo

      Hang in there AV it takes time

      by hal 9000 ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      And I know how frustrating it is not knowing but to be perfectly honest the Power Companies don’t know either.

      A couple of years ago we had a Severe Weather Event hit an area of Brisbane a very localized event that only affected 2 or 3 suburbs and it took 2 weeks to get the downed trees cleared so that the Power Companies trucks could get in and start restringing the lines that had been brought down.

      It took that long in such a small area so I can only imagine just how up against things the Power Companies are trying to reestablish Electricity Supply over such a large area.

      Of course that doesn’t forgive them saying a couple of hours for days at a time as it only pi$$es people off when they are lied to. I personally believe that it’s better to be honest and say [b]We Don’t Know[/b] than to say 4 days and then still not have things on.

      In the case of the Brisbane event it took the SES 2 weeks to clear the streets so that others could come in after them and start repairing the infrastructure. Naturally Power was restored faster to those on the outer edges but that didn’t help those in the center of the damage.

      Col

    • #2432914

      Got word from Westfield – email from my SIL

      by nicknielsen ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      [i]No power–on day 7 now without it. No cable, phone, internet, heat. But we do have hot water and we have a gas stove (I will never go electric now!). And we own a generator, so we have been able to power our fridge, freezer, some lights, and occasionally the space heater. And I’m at a friend’s right now using their internet.

      Worst is getting gas. I managed to get it in 1 hour yesterday, but Chris had to wait 7 hours on Saturday. And any pictures you see on TV–yeah, it’s that bad. Westfield actually made the NYC news as one of the hardest hit towns outside of the Shore.[/i]

      No mention of injuries or house damage, so I believe I can safely assume all is well on those fronts.

      • #2432905

        Good to hear.

        by ansugisalas ·

        In reply to Got word from Westfield – email from my SIL

        I saw whole neighborhoods had been level by fires, nothing left but the foundations. Chilling to think that the people living there would have to brave the storm to save themselves… and even then it must have been horrific.

      • #2432874

        And word from Long Island

        by nicknielsen ·

        In reply to Got word from Westfield – email from my SIL

        They are still waiting for power, but are okay otherwise. This SIL says the Westfielders have power back now.

        Good news. That calls for a drink!

        • #2432840

          Glad to hear they have power back

          by av . ·

          In reply to And word from Long Island

          Not all of Westfield is back up, so they are pretty lucky.

          AV

    • #2432839

      Finally got power back

      by av . ·

      In reply to What are you doing to prepare for Frankenstorm (Hurricane Sandy)?

      It came on late yesterday afternoon after 8 long days. I am one of the lucky ones. There are still plenty of people without power and then there are the poor people that live at the shore areas who lost their homes totally.

      Unfortunately, we are in the middle of a snowstorm nor’easter right now. I don’t know why Mother Nature has aimed her wrath at New Jersey. Enough already.

      We still have leaves on the trees and they are not going to like all the heavy, wet snow. I give up. I just got done throwing out all of the rotten food and didn’t even bother buying new stuff today. What for? If the power goes out again, I’ll have to throw that stuff out too.

      I hope the whole winter isn’t going to be like this.

      AV

      • #2432837
        Avatar photo

        Well as I saw a republican Say on the TV here

        by hal 9000 ·

        In reply to Finally got power back

        Sandy was Gods way of preventing Mitt from being elected. OK so that’s not quite what he said but it is certainly what he implied it’s all Sandy’s Fault and since Sandy was an [b]Act of God,[/b] God obviously didn’t want a Mormon in the White House. 😀

        Look on the up side the snow hides the mess that you need to clean up for the time being at least and discourages you from going out into the yard to perform any sort of Clean Up. It’s a great time to sit in the house and draw up a list of things you have to do to start the clean up. You could even clean out an ash try that is overfilled inside the house and if you want to go the whole hog wash out the inside of the fridge so it doesn’t smell instead of throwing it outside and waiting for it to clean itself.

        As nothing has to be cleaned up the snow is a great excuse not to do anything in the yard as you have no idea of what is under the snow it could be extremely dangerous and it’s best to wait for it to all disappear, HONEST.

        Remember the secret of being a great procrastinator is never doing anything soon that can be put off for a decade or so. 😉

        Personally I would do what needs doing inside the house and wait till you have a reliable power supply and a uncovered yard before starting any sort of cleanup as is way too dangerous to stick your body parts into snow that could be covering anything. Same as walking in flood water unless you absolutely have to, you should avoid doing it. I remember a place here in 74 when the flood waters went down they found a pair of aircraft wings in their yard. Still in the cases that they came in and these where not light aircraft but military type aircraft wings that entered the water 50 miles away. For some reason they where never claimed either and there where a lot of problems at the dump when they arrived several years latter to dispose of them. :^0

        OH and because I’m a BASTARD heres a photo of a Drosera starting to send up a Flower Spike, Spring is really a great time. 🙂

        http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01089.jpg

        Col

        • #2432835

          Sandy certainly played a part in our election

          by av . ·

          In reply to Well as I saw a republican Say on the TV here

          For the first time, Obama worked with our Republican Governor, Chris Christie, so that we got federal resources that we need so much here. It is just such a disaster here and personally, I am grateful that my house is still standing.

          I’m just working inside and when I look outside, I see some of my trees leaning and ready to fall down. I am just sick looking at them and praying that they won’t take out the power lines if it gets too windy tonite.

          Oh, I hate this. I am in a constant state of being ready for a disaster to happen and hoping I can make it through the night.

          Your Drosera looks very promising. In fact, all of the plants that you’ve posted look like they’re doing very well.

          I’m into the one day at a time philosopy. So far its been good and I’m cautiously optimistic that we will go through this storm with no problem. I hope it plays out that way.

          AV

        • #2434272
          Avatar photo

          Well on the up side

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to Sandy certainly played a part in our election

          If Sandy couldn’t bring them down it’s very unlikely that much will be capable of bringing them down.

          Think on the positive side of things it’s always much better. 😉

          Or if you want to be terrified you could get someone like me as an Emergency Service Worker coming to your place to help you. Now there is a frighting thought. :0

          Col

        • #2434146

          Col, you have much experience with snow?

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Well on the up side

          It’s a different physical stress on the plant than wind. Heavy snow builds up on the limbs, adding weight they may not support. While it’s less likely to bring the entire tree down, it’s more likely to snap limbs (that may be overhanging power lines). It’s also easier to do repairs without that white crap making it harder to drive or see where the problems are.

        • #2434137
          Avatar photo

          Yep I know

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to Col, you have much experience with snow?

          It’s better to leave it alone unless you absolutely have to do something. 😉

          Col

        • #2434147

          Odd; I read reports that some blamed it on Obama.

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Well as I saw a republican Say on the TV here

          Yeah, right. As if the president could control the weather; and as if he was dumb enough to dump on states that were going to vote for him anyway.

          Gotta love the tin foil crowd.

        • #2434112

          Look up “HAARP conspiracy”

          by ansugisalas ·

          In reply to Odd; I read reports that some blamed it on Obama.

          for more tin foil goodness…

        • #2434104

          Woo-hoo!

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Look up “HAARP conspiracy”

          That’s tasty! Could have get seconds, with a side of those paranoia fries and some more of that government conspiracy gravy?

      • #2434236

        Observation

        by nicknielsen ·

        In reply to Finally got power back

        We both know what the Randian purists are going to say, don’t we: “You brought it on yourself by your choice to live in the path of that storm. It’s your own fault.”

        My take on that? Yeah. Right.

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