10 days ago we were hit by the "storm of the century". It was a 150 mile path of destruction caused by hurricane force wind and tornados.At one point over 1 million people were without electric (many for more than a week)and left to face the record 100 degree plus temps without electric or water.
The area was declared a disaster area and the national gaurd was called in to distribute water ice and food.Local hospitals were filled to over flowing and local schools were turned into emergency relief shelters that were life savers for some of the elderly and sick.
We recieved some moderate damage to our home and the electric was off for 8 days.A couple of years ago I purchased and installed a 10,000 watt generator to be used for back up and it proved to be worth it's weight in gold.Our house was full as we opened it up to neighbors who were not so fortunate.
The electric co brought in workers from 6 states who worked non stop to get electric restored.Workers from Mississippi likened the damage they saw to that of Katrina.
As things return to normal there are a few things I am thankful for and proud of.
1-No one was killed or seriously injured in the storm-although tragicly one utility worker lost his life to a downed wire while working to restore power.
2-There were NO reports of looting or theft and MANY reports of neighbors and even strangers working together to help each other and look after the elderly and sick.
3-Hundreds of downed trees blocked highways and roads-These were for the most part cleared by volunteers with chainsaws and trucks-leaving the utility cos to do more important work like replace power lines.
4-Resources were shared and doors were opened to neighbors and strangers alike-People for the most part recogised what needed to be done,joined together and DID IT.....without waiting for someone to do it for them
5-According to the electric co this was the worst widespread storm in their 100 year history-and after about 10 days things are nearly back to normal
The area was declared a disaster area and the national gaurd was called in to distribute water ice and food.Local hospitals were filled to over flowing and local schools were turned into emergency relief shelters that were life savers for some of the elderly and sick.
We recieved some moderate damage to our home and the electric was off for 8 days.A couple of years ago I purchased and installed a 10,000 watt generator to be used for back up and it proved to be worth it's weight in gold.Our house was full as we opened it up to neighbors who were not so fortunate.
The electric co brought in workers from 6 states who worked non stop to get electric restored.Workers from Mississippi likened the damage they saw to that of Katrina.
As things return to normal there are a few things I am thankful for and proud of.
1-No one was killed or seriously injured in the storm-although tragicly one utility worker lost his life to a downed wire while working to restore power.
2-There were NO reports of looting or theft and MANY reports of neighbors and even strangers working together to help each other and look after the elderly and sick.
3-Hundreds of downed trees blocked highways and roads-These were for the most part cleared by volunteers with chainsaws and trucks-leaving the utility cos to do more important work like replace power lines.
4-Resources were shared and doors were opened to neighbors and strangers alike-People for the most part recogised what needed to be done,joined together and DID IT.....without waiting for someone to do it for them
5-According to the electric co this was the worst widespread storm in their 100 year history-and after about 10 days things are nearly back to normal
Too bad some people never get the feeling