Hurricane Irma Live Thread Part IV

NHC/NOAA ^ | 9/10/2017 | NHC/NOAA

[NautiNurse]

Somewhat relieved to learn that the Taco Bell story is from GA, rather than FL.

[SE Mom]

Yeah, it was Georgia. And yet it’s symptomatic. The leader had some strong words for the woman who threw the drink. Very well expressed.

We have lost self-respect and self-restraint and respect for others and God.

[metmom]

I just spoke with my son who was helping a friend at their house today with post-storm tree work. There was an electric crew from another state working at the same property. My son said they were great guys, working their butts off. They told my son and his friends they will never come back to Florida, no matter how much they get paid. Everywhere they’ve gone they’ve been met with hostility, rage, curses and nasty comments. At first they thought, well, a few people don’t speak for everyone . But, it has gotten worse each day and it’s widespread in the area. They’re baffled by it and pretty disgusted.

That is just inexcusable.

[metmom]

That’s good.

It seems that they’ve been getting power on at quite the clip this time.

I sure am glad all those people were spared what the forecast was indicating they were in for.

[kristinn]

That is such a shame. The power workers gave been working long hours in the hot sun for days, many sleeping in makeshift tent camps. They’ve performed an extraordinary service for the people of Florida. They deserve nothing but thanks.

[zzeeman]

So if I see any guys in power trucks...I’ll make a point of saying thanks. Small civilities matter.

Absolutely, we've been trying to thank acknowledge as many as possible. Virtually ALL of them have been friendly and responsive.

Unconfirmed reports I see on FB of thieves in a light blue minivan cruising areas in Pinellas County where the crews are up in the buckets working... van occupants jump out and steal everything that can in a minute: tools, wallets, drinks, food....

To me, that is just unreal... leaves me speechless...

[Chgogal]

I worked for a utility. People in general are spoiled. They just touch their thermostat at the temp they want and either the heat goes one are the AC. People have no idea how the electron or the gas/oil molecule gets to their house. It is very disheartening. It does not help when idiots on MSM say things like “It's three days and still no power.” NEWS FLASH! You just don't snap your fingers and the roads clear themselves, electric poles, transformers, etc appear out of nowhere and set themselves up. Like I said, a majority of people are spoiled.

[kristinn]

I saw a local TV news report of an FPL crew having use a crane to hoist a wooden power pole over a house to the backyard to replace a broken pole.

The report stated that the fix would restore power to just four homes. That's a lot of effort for four homes.

[SE Mom]

Exactly, kristinn. Apparently many of our fellow citizens are deeply unaware of what is required every day to maintain basic services. And don’t show much interest in learning. Publix, Winn Dixie, 7-11 etc.are not government, but they’re service businesses. It’s unsettling to see how little is understood about the practicalities of life.

Our state was mostly without power for days, the damage to grids and substations was monumental. It’s not that I don’t feel sympathy for people still dark. I do - I’ve been there. Just your example alone shows the work involved in restoring to a few houses.

I’m seeing there are many people who are uneducated, gullible and demanding. They drive cars on the same roads we do. They vote. They throw drinks in the face of someone helping them.

[American Quilter]

Glad to hear from you, rodguy. Good luck with the cleanup—hope your house didn’t incur much damage.