FReeper Storm Check-in (vanity)

9-19-03 | me

[netmilsmom]

Through the week, many of us heard of FReepers who were in the path of Isabel. I personally know Gabz, Corin Stormhands and Consitution Day were in the area. I thought it would be a good idea if we had a thread to ask if someone is ok and let them check in. Prayers to our FRiends in harms way. Thanks!

[netmilsmom]

Thank you for checking in. I'm so glad everything is well and fine!

[netmilsmom]

OH! Prayers for your daughter.

[CobaltBlue]

Here in DC both National Public Radio stations, WETA and WAMU (American University), had local coverage during the storm. WAMU, which is mostly talk shows anyway, had a lot more talking, and I thought it was about on a par with WMAL, which usually carries Rush and Hannity, but pre-empted both for local coverage, as well.

But then, I listen to NPR. My husband is the typical conservative, he can't stand to listen to liberals, but I listen to all points of view, and try to keep up with what everybody thinks.

Anyway, I flipped back and forth between WAMU and WMAL after we lost cable.

[netmilsmom]

>>>Maybe next time we should add "calling tree" to our list so we can take roll!

Are you serious about this? I would be willing to post the thread. This whole thing just spooked me.

I haven't been through all of the posts yet, but I'm not leaving until Corin checks in!

[netmilsmom]

Thank you for checking in. We were wondering about you!

[netmilsmom]

Thanks for checking in. Good to have power, right?

[CobaltBlue]

The local fire company offered to take any of us who wanted a nap and a shower back to the station to use their facilities, the cops brought us coffee and donuts!!! listeners were bringing us casseroles.

What a wonderful story!

During a disaster, especially one that goes on and on, like a hurricane, you broadcast guys are literally the voice of the community.

Yesterday, we didn't get our Washington Times, period, doubt they even printed, and the Washington Post didn't come until late in the afternoon, and appears to have been "put to bed" last in the morning, but I knew all the news I needed from the radio.

[CobaltBlue]

I don't know about Takoma Park but in Fairfax the traffic lights are mostly fed by underground cables. Yesterday I estimated about 50-50 out as I drove around.

[Gabz]

Thanks.

I've had this niggling little idea in the back of my head for quite some time about going back into radio.

Now it's more than just a pesky bug at the back of my brain.

The lack of information available Thursday and even Friday in this area was appalling.

I've been working on a letter to the program director of one of the local radio stations about how this situation could possibly change....... One never knows.

[Gabz]

Sorry to hear about your power and phone - but the lack of damage report is terrific!!!!

[kayak]

I've been looking for a way to help the folks who were hardest hit by Isabel.

We haven't sent money to the Red Cross for years. The Salvation Army does a lot of wonderful work but doesn't get the publicity and we have preferred sending donations to them for a long time.

Also, most large church denominations (the Methodists, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, Catholic Charities, etc.) have funds and people for responding to such situations ... and virtually nothing is ever publicized about this.

Back in the 80's, we had a rare outbreak of destructive tornadoes in NC. The rural county we lived in and the one adjacent were among the hardest hit. Through his work, hubby knew many people who lived in some of the outlying communities that got clobbered .... and he also knew several who were in volunteer rescue squads.

The tornadoes hit about 9:00 at night. The next morning, several church organizations already had people in place and were truly helping .... giving out food, clothing, and (where appropirate) money as well as arranging for shelter. The Red Cross was on site also but was mostly adding names to lists .... and the mention of FEMA still makes people see red.

When the same areas were devastated by the flooding from Floyd, it was the local citizens and the National Guard who were the most helpful .... organized drop-off areas for supplies and clothing, managed the distribution of goods and services, etc. In the community with which I was most familiar, the local churches were instrumental. One took on the task of feeding volunteers, another the manning of the warehouse where supplies were received and distributed, etc.

Right now communication with local churches in the hard-hit areas would be impossible ..... but you might contact churches in your own area and see what they know about efforts to help in the "battle zones." They may well be taking donations (goods or money) and organizing work teams.

There are many ways to help without donating to the Red Cross but they are the ones that the media promote.

[Gabz]

Thanks.

Where I now live the nearest daily paper is the Salibury (MD) Daily Times. Of the 2 local papers, one comes out on Wednesday and Saturday and the other comes out on Wednesday.

I heard something on the radio around 11 yesterday morning that the Daily Times would start being delivered within the hour. It had been seriously delayed in going to print.

I was appalled that the Salibury TV stations went to regular programming following the morning news shows and the noon news, and local radio wasn't any better. I watched more Norfolk/Hampton Roads news on Thursday (before my cable went out) than I have since I moved here the end of April. The Salisbury station at least pay a modicum of attention to the shore counties in Virginia, the stations on the other side of the bay ignore us.

The lack of information available to folks here on the Eastern Shore scared the bejeezus out of me.

[abner]

Go back to radio!!!!!

Convinced yet? My husband is a radio wannabe. He would love to do radio but knows it wouldn't pay the bills.

[VadeRetro]

Herndon to Ashburn is pretty, or at least used to be back then, which is about the time I used to bike it.

Used to be just gorgeous sometimes in the late summer afternoons toward sunset. I'd go out the trail for a run, ending up back in Herndon in time to catch some of an open-air concert before heading for home, a quick shower, and out again for a late dinner. In some ways, those were the days.

[Allegra]

The Richmond and Coastal areas have extensive power outages, and significant damage from downed trees. I doubt you'll be hearing from too many FReepers from that part of VA today.

I called my Dad in Deltaville, VA this morning which is on the Chesapeake and Rappahannock (sp?). His power is still out but he's OK.

[LynnHam]

only have it at work still out at home ...

[LynnHam]

sure am thankful ! :)

[CobaltBlue]

All four water plants in Northern VA. lost power, and even though we have water now, we are advised to boil it until they test it to make sure it's not contaminated.

I don't have TV but know to boil it because I heard it on the radio.

Just talked to my mom, who has TV but hasn't listened to the radio, she wasn't planning on boiling. In fact, she thought she lives in Fairfax City but really lives in Fairfax County - she isn't stupid, but she doesn't vote, and she lives in an apartment where the landlord pays the utilities.

I would bet that she is not the only one who missed the order to boil water or failed to grasp the full implications.

The water is probably OK but not worth the risk. So I haven't showered in a while nor put in my contact lenses, just wearing my glasses. To wash everything that needs t be washed in order to put on the contacts, I would need to wash face, and hands, and then wash the lenses. How much bottled water would that take?

I have been "washing" hands with Purell and paper towels.

[netmilsmom]

That whole lack of water thing just SUCKS!
I hated it after the blackout.

[Gabz]

My husband is a radio wannabe

LOL!!!

He would love to do radio but knows it wouldn't pay the bills.

He's right. OTOH, in my case, every little bit of extra income picked up in my household can do nothing but help us out, considering it's been more than 2 years since I had a steady income flow - just some sporadic payments for consult work.

However, I will remember your comments because one of the organizations I belong to is getting new servers and one of the things we are planning to do is audio internet broadcasting.