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02/01/2009 09:16:48 AM · #1 |
Kentucky struggles
There are lots of ways to present this from what is the Obama administration doing to help, to Global Warming evidence and so on. But the reason I posted it was to give evidence to the very real fact that preparedness for natural disasters is a sound choice and logical. Being prepared with the basic necessaties - shetler/water/heat/defense/food/energy source etc. are simply core elements for any family. Whether you live in hot, cold, temperate, wet or dry enviornments - change can and does occur without much notice. Planning for it is prudent. Hope all have a plan. This is a week old already. A 30 day plan is not unreasonable.
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02/06/2009 05:40:17 PM · #2 |
We were caught unprepared. We thankfully had some water and non-perishable foods. But there was no source of heat. One night of huddling under cold blankets was enough. The neighbor had a gas log that kep her living room warm enough to survive. We stayed up late and talked in the glow.
As the tree branches were coming down on Tuesday night we prayed to keep them out of the house, and that was what happened. The trees were pretty much destroyed. Power is still out on my street, after 10 days, and it might still be a while. But we now have a generator, the stores and gas stations are open, roads and streets are mostly cleared. Still a big mess, though.
Survival was in the forefront of our lives for the first time ever. We're fine, but it could have been worse. Some, not many, have died as a direct result of the storm.
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02/06/2009 06:34:16 PM · #3 |
| We were prepared. We bought a generator in the fall and had it ready with gas and purchased a couple of really good space heaters. I stocked the shelves with canned goods, bought plenty of milk, OJ, bread and sandwich stuff, pet food, had all our devices fully charged, and we never lost power. I am so very thankful. Our friends weren't so fortunate so we loaned them our generator. We could have easily survived for 2 weeks if we had lost power though. We did have a mess to clean up though and we already got that done. Watching the weather closely and being organized is key to making it through this stuff. This weekend should be better, it will be in the low 60's, that should help warm some people up and maybe get some of the lines repaired faster. |
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02/09/2009 06:34:37 AM · #4 |
I had the great misfortune of living that experience in 1998 when we experienced a horrendous ice storm. A quick review of these two links will give you a hint of what we experienced. Ice Storm Images and Ice Storm 1998.
Some unfortunate souls were without power for a month. On the good side, it truly was heart warming to see people helping each other out. We saw electrical crews from all over the USA travel up north to assist in restoring power.
Since then, I changed my hot water system to a gas fired system and now have a generator that will provide enough electricity for my family to live a relatively normal life while the power is being restored, and have enough room to accomodate several other folks who might not be so fortunate.
Hang in there, better days are coming.
Ray |
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02/09/2009 09:06:34 AM · #5 |
Have been caught in snow/ice storms a couple of times and pretty good flood once. Tornados are always a concern in Michigan, with a couple being pretty darn close.
Glad to read of the successes - saddened by those less fortunate. A few basics for anyone to consider;
1. Water is the first necessity. A portable filter (like a backpackers Katadyn) will clean several hundred gallons.
2. Shelter is a highlist necessity. A tent - even if set up in the living room can retain some heat or provide protection if the roof is damaged and leaking.
3. A small generator can allow for some modicom of normalcy. Even if it only runs the refidgerator and a couple of heaters (like Pelonis ceramic disc). A siphon can pull gas from the family car (5 gallons at a time), so that storage concerns are eliminated. A siphon is $3 at the local auto parts store.
4. An outdoor grill or even the portable stoves like campers use (ie. Coleman), can at least warm up cans of soup or tea.
5. Sleeping bags (Microfill) are compact, lightweight, and can be a lifesaver when wet and cold are present.
6. Fleece is lightweight, warm, washable, and very versatile as part of a cloathing plan.
7. Small first aid kit with aspirin, bandages, neosporin, and waterproof tape is essential. I keep sunscreen and insect repellant in mine.
8. Canned goods and dried maccoroni/rice can sustain for a long time. Honey is one of the most versatile of all foods, easily digestable, and does not spoil.
9. Network of family, friends and neighbors are immeasurable to help assist in time of need, both for physical labor and emotional support.
10. Cash (at least enough to support the potential of a 500 mile trip with accomodations) for 3-4 days.
Essentially, if one is prepared to spend a long weekend camping, then with just a few more provisions, one can be prepared for a multitude of natural disaster scenarios.
Hoping for all to be well soon. |
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02/09/2009 09:30:47 AM · #6 |
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02/09/2009 10:20:57 AM · #7 |
| I believe everyone in Louisville has power again. |
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02/11/2009 08:25:35 PM · #8 |
| That didn't last long! 50-75 mph winds here this afternoon until 8 pm. Last number I heard was 40,000 without power in Louisville again. I don't know about the surrounding areas. Lots of limbs and trees down. Lots of roofs blown off. Just weeks later and it's a mess here again! |
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