Hurricane News & Other Helpful Info

[ruffryder]

Originally Posted by Heart

I think shutting down the entire MTA transit system in NYC was an over-reaction that cost millions of dollars for small business owners and made it overly difficult on workers who have to work whether there's a hurricane or not, (first responders, shelter workers, hospice care, etc). Most of the city was NOT in a flood zone, yet people couldn't get to work and businesses had to close because most city-dwellers do not own cars.

I was annoyed by the overfocus on Mayor Bloomberg and his 5 boroughs of NYC, and the lack of attention paid to the flooding and real devastation further upsate. Plus there was almost no reporting about prison populations or provisions for homeless/mentally ill folks. I really hated the media coverage - overblown, un-enlightening, repetative, and politically motivated.
(The New York Times did a pretty good job though).

Heart

I think they closed down the mass transit for safety reasons. A decision had to be made in advance to alert people. There is no telling what a hurricane or tropical storm is going to do. Just this morning on the news they are talking about all sorts of flooding in NJ. People didn't evacuate now they are stranded on the top floors. No one thinks it going to get bad but it's better to take precautions and think of the worst in these situations. I think NYC and the mayor did what they thought necessary for the safety of their city. I don't think people are too worried about getting around as much as they are about being safe. What do you think. .

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

I think people gauge response to personal circumstance. In other words, if their home wasn't damaged, or someone in their family didn't die, then it was all hype or overblown coverage. Yet, I find it interesting that these are some of the people who boarded up their homes and businesses and evacuated. The arrogance of people fascinates me ....

The media warned the public all weekend long - the ground is saturated and we can't handle an inch of water, let alone a foot. Water will rise and streets will flood - but that didn't stop the thrill seekers out there looking to have "fun".

You can always count on the stupidity of people.

Sure can!

Of course we are hearing pissing and moaning post event. And if the worst had happened- without the kinds of responses initiated, there would be that pissing and moaning. Let us not forget how many lives could have been saved if FEMA and municipalities had done the kind of "pre" positioning and warning that was not done during Katrina. People, especially those without the means, could have been bused out early and been a lot better off. If the NYC subways had flooded as was possible, people would be thanking authorities for shutting them down. Well, in about 2 weeks after they had electricity back and the damage was fixed. By the way, it takes a good 8-10 hours to shut down systems like these- you don't just flip a switch.

The coverage I watched had quite a few stories about aiding the elderly, homeless and moving fragile patients out of hospitals to safer places.

Probably will get some flack here- but I did feel the coberage was skewed toward NYC. I love NYC, but, there were thousands of areas under threat including urban centers.

These kinds of responses will never be perfect- these kinds of storms just change as they go.

Maybe I am just reacting to the bitching and lack of gratefulness. All of those public employees worked their butts off all weekend to keep people safe- no matter the degree of winds and floods, 24/7.

Of course politics gets involved- these are public works that have to utilized. People might want to thank a public works employee today....

[AtLast]

Flood and other damage per state-

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news...74/detail.html

Death count is 25 at this point. could have been much worse without the kinds of responses by FEMA and all agencies (fed & state) involved- and there are several states affected.

[NJFemmie]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

Probably will get some flack here- but I did feel the coberage was skewed toward NYC. I love NYC, but, there were thousands of areas under threat including urban centers.

Considering NYC is an island surrounded by a river, if I were Mayor, I would have done the same thing. When 8 million + lives are at stake, it's better to be safe than sorry - even if it means inconveniencing some people.

[J. Mason]

I have heard most of Vermont is without power? True or not? And are there any members who are unaccounted for on here?

I pray ya'll are safe, I know all too well how bad hurricanes are.

[Julien]

Hurricane season is just around the corner. June 1st to be exact. What do you do to get ready? Do you stock up year round? Or just before?
For myself I get ready for basic things during the season. Things like gas for the generator I do when one is close. I think that some people may be more complacent because, here on the Gulf Coast we haven't had one to speak of, well at least not here in the Mobile area.

These are the upcoming names for storms in the Atlantic basin.

Alberto (unused)
Beryl (unused)
Chris (unused)
Debby (unused)
Ernesto (unused)
Florence (unused)
Gordon (unused)

Helene (unused)
Isaac (unused)
Joyce (unused)
Kirk (unused)
Leslie (unused)
Michael (unused)
Nadine (unused)

Oscar (unused)
Patty (unused)
Rafael (unused)
Sandy (unused)
Tony (unused)
Valerie (unused)
William (unused)

[Jesse]

Bump...

We're well into our 9th named storm for the season and the 10th one, Joyce has emerged as well.

[durrrrrrrr]

I am keepin a close eye on Issac, if that thing turns any more west. it's gonna head my way.

I know a lot of BFP that this hurricane is gonna impact. y'all be careful n stay safe

[clay]

Originally Posted by durrrrrrrr

I am keepin a close eye on Issac, if that thing turns any more west. it's gonna head my way.

I know a lot of BFP that this hurricane is gonna impact. y'all be careful n stay safe

please do stay safe, durrrrrrrr...and all others....
Check in to let us know you are all safe!!!
Going to be some harried next few days...Sending wishes for safety and concern for all of our BFP people in the projected and actual path of this storm!!!

[Jesse]

It looks as though Florida is pretty much out of the way of Isaac other than lots of rain and wind due to it's shift to the west, but once these storms hit the warm waters of the Gulf one never knows what the heck they will do from one day to the next.

Stay safe everyone. Stock up on water, food and batteries just in case...

[ruffryder]

another Hurricane headed out by New Orleans again.

[LaneyDoll]

I am really hoping that Issac loses power. The people in the path have suffered so much in the last few years b/c of natural disasters.

And, I have lots of friends and family on the Gulf coast. PLUS one very special person who means the world to me.

I wonder if I can will this hurricane to lose power?

[goodlilfemme]

i hope everyone on the east coast stays safe and finds places to go should you have to evacuate will keep you in my heart and prayers

Originally Posted by Scorp

Hey All,

Hurricane Irene is headed up the East Coast.

85 mph winds, all of the above expected to hit us Sunday morning.

Be ready. Here are some supplies to have on hand.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Water—one gallon per person, per day 3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
Food—non perishable, easy to prepare items 3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications 7 day supply and medical items
Multi purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Two way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

Whistle
N95 or surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags

[Rockinonahigh]

I live in the northwest corner of Louisiana and I just checked the weather report,seems like Thursday and Friday we will be getting 35 mph winds and rain.Anyone effected by this storm please be carefull and stay safe.

[ruffryder]

Last I heard Isaac is strenghtening and should hit by Louisiana Weds with winds around 80-100 mph. Please be prepared and be safe ! We can only hope it loses its punch.

Here in Florida Isaac brought wind, rain, and lightening and spawned tornadoes that had damage in Vero Beach. In Orlando and elsewhere some customers lost power, electricity, light.

[girl_dee]

Well my family is bracing for rising water and rain.

At least it's not a Category 5 heading in this time.

The Katrina memories are still too damn fresh.

[ruffryder]

[ruffryder]

Isaac has now been upgraded to a hurricane. Reports from an USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that maximum sustained winds associated with Isaac have increased to 75 mph, a category one hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It is centered about 75 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River or 165 miles southeast of New Orleans, moving toward the northwest at 10 mph.
www.hurricanes.gov

Thoughts and prayers continue for this area and people affected!

[girl_dee]

The bans are hitting and the water is rising in my little home town. Most don't have much to begin with, this isn't going to help.

[clay]

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

The bans are hitting and the water is rising in my little home town. Most don't have much to begin with, this isn't going to help.

dee...I am soooo sorry...and I am keeping everyone in thoughts & prayers tonight....sending you a hug, too!