Hurricane Sandy Status Report

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Quote from a dear friend...

 

<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper"><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">"So what has the so-called "private sector" done so far during this crisis? It's all their utilities and services that aren't working and contributing to the pain. On the other hand I see dedicated local, state, and federal employees out there cleaning up the mess and trying to restore normalcy."</span></span></h5>
 
 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Today I'm driving out to Staten Island to donate food and supplies, many of my neighbors were kind enough to donate as well. So if you can, donate! </span>

<span style="font-size: medium;">And to all those shallow twits that are carrying on like nothing has happened; Shame on you!</span>

[this post was last edited: 11/3/2012-04:38]
 
Power companies

Con Ed and other power companies serving the NYC area do have a big job to do and this will take time-beleive me-as one who has delt with utilites-they are working on it.Other power company linemen from other states are bringing their linemen,trucks,and equipment to help.I did read a disturbing story about linemen being turned down becuase they weren't unionized -lets see-these folks traveled all the way to NYC area from Alabama and on their own time and expense--they did want to help but were told to go back.Power company linemen always have an unwritten rule to help other linemen in disaster hit areas.Union or not their help should NOT have been turned down-remember all of those people WITHOUT power and those that came top help?What is this-that help should have been fully welcomed,appreciated,and put to work.
Since cities have utility tunnels--we have to pump them dry-evaluate the wiring and equipment in these tunnels-becuase of the water-and contaminated water at that-the wiring and equipment may have to be replaced.The "Arc Welder" from hell Con-Ed station explosion must of involved the station transformer.these are not common stock items-often these transformers have to be made up as ordered.did they have a spare to move in place?If not has to be ordered and made.There is a PTT plant about 20 miles from the site that makes up such transformers.they did some transformer work for us-made up a replacement for one of our transmitters.
Power companies-esp large ones-have storage yards for spare transformers,cable,breakers,trucks and vehicles,and even gen parts or portable gensets to use in emergencies.Give the utility companies a chance-to fix the power in an area as big as NYC can't be done overnight.
 
Here's a few links Thomas...

 




<span style="font-size: medium;">The American Red Cross</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.redcross.org/templates/r...antdonations&gclid=CIXtvt2cs7MCFdKd4Aod4lYAKA</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Catholic Charities</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Direct Relief</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.directrelief.org/?gclid=CLur-Peds7MCFQJx4AodT0UAyg</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Americares</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">https://secure.americares.org/site/...nation=form1&gclid=COyk2qSes7MCFUKd4Aod52gAHA</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">The Humane Society</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.humanesociety.org/news/dispatch/2012/11/hurricane-sandy-110112.html
</span>

<span style="font-size: medium;">
And thank you Thomas! </span>

 
 
Checking in here. Made it through with no damage or flooding, hiding out with the mister in Burlington NJ. Neither of us have power or heat at home so we're down south. Heading back up tomorrow to Sayreville, and him to Hopatcong. We were hoping to find a generator for my place but no luck. He has one for up north so he'll have heat. I hope I can get something going before my pipes freeze.
 
Check Home Depot Stores

Saw something on news this morning that they like Lowes have geared up with military like efforts to aquire and move goods including generators from their supply centers to affected areas.

Program showed a store in NJ where generators were being sold soon as they were off loaded into stock. Try contacting several and asking when their next shippment will be.
 
News story heard here states that one big thing that is in short supply and therefor is slowing things down is a shortage of the specially treated wood power poles. Something about the companies in nearby areas cranking out as much as possible just to ship to the affected areas. Another report covered the various state gov'ts going after people/companies/businesses who are profiteering by gouging for things like food, fuel, generators and hotel rooms. First Imelda fines were scary enough but rpeated violations drew fines that should make those contemplating it think long and hard... Vultures...

RCD
 
And remember, if you buy a generator at Home Depot, it's yours forever!

During Hurricane Ike people here invaded the big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, etc. to buy generators. A few people bought more than one.

When the storm was over what happened? About 90% of the people who bought generators tried to return them for a cash/credit refund. Due to their warranty policy Home Depot got stuck accepting hundreds and hundreds of generators back.
Typical excuse?
I don't need it anymore
I did't like it
It's too noisy
I have nowhere to store it
etc.

So Home Depot made a change in their warranty coverage on generators AND it's printed right on the back of your cash register receipt. It states that at no time may you return the generator as it is now considered "used goods". Home Depot will replace, repair or do whatever it takes to make it operational but they will NOT give out refunds for these items. After 30 days from purchase you are to contact the manufacturer for warranty repairs.
 
Well One Can Understand That

Come on if you purchase and used a large item like a generator or appliance it is just plain bad manners to try and return the thing after usage.

One could see if the thing didn't suit requirements, malfunctioned or some such but to take something back just because a crisis has passed is plain wrong.

You also get persons trying to return big ticket items because they cannot afford the charges on their credit cards. Again that is wrong as well.
 
Petrol Prices

New York, New Jersey and Conn have very strict controls on gas prices and often run stings even in normal times to determine if stations are up to tricks. Govenors and AGs of the affected states issued warnings early on they would find and severely deal with any gas station owener found to be price gouging.

OTHO according to local news you've got persons listing containers of "gasoline" on CL for sale.
 
Dropped off food/supplies donations at Rabs Country Lanes...

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">I didn't do much driving in Staten Island since I'm trying to save gas. No gas stations were open save one, and it had a blocks long line. There's a huge need folks, so remember to DONATE what you can!  </span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Glad you and yours are fine Eric! </span>
 
@ultramatic.

Thank you for the very useful links. I'm going to use them right away.

@mistereric, please email me your home address.

@Tam airlines (they aren't here, but i need to put my rage out) Why would somebody want to travel with a power generator? Coincidently, to a city that's out of power due to a horrible natural disaster. I'm bald, i don't need a hair dryer so that's not the reason i want to transport it. Could you stop being selfish and think only about profit and understand that it's an international emergency situation? Almost nobody's traveling to the US because of Sandy and your planes are flying almost empty so, that's not an excuse not to accept transporting generators. Can't you understand that in a situation like this, a tiny generator like mine could even save lives? Come on!

Even the american customs would understand the situation and allow me to enter the us carrying as many power generators as I wanted.
 
There are problems carrying generators on aircraft due to the gasoline residue left in them. If they are new/never used they could be sent by air and have the oil and gasoline added upon arrival, but if a generator has even been used once it can emit flammable and toxic fumes from the gas and oil that was once in the unit.

The problem with most home use generators is that they use a rather large amount of gasoline, about a gallon per hour. When we had Hurricane Ike the people lining up at the gas stations were mostly for fuel for their generators, not their cars.
Some people filled up both their cars if they had more than one and used one of the cars as a "tanker" for fuel for their generator.

And a lot of people have the large built in generators that run off of natural gas. But in New Jersey there are places where the gas has been turned off due to leaks. So those types of generators wouldn't be able to be used unless they were dual-fuel types.
 
Ultramatic, that's nothing.

Everybody used to be like that decades ago... Unfortunately, nowadays when somebody does it, it's considered a hero. Unfortunately most people don't even know their next door neighboor's name. I'm just glad my parents gave me and "old school" education.

The world spins fast. Today I have the opportunity to help, tomorrow i can be the one needing help. Who knows?
 
Very True Thomas

<span style="font-size: medium;">While there has been an outpouring of support, far too many, especially right here in New York City, just don't give a damn. But when it's their turn to face major crises, I can assure you they'll be the first ones screaming and demanding help. </span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>

 

 
 
While that....

Only one person was able to make 190 millions of brazilians ashamed.

The acterss (Actress?!?! She was a stage dancer at a ridiculous Tv show) Nana Gouveia took some pictures right in the middle of the destruction area and made a comment "I love when things like that happens because I have the chance to stay home with my husband and we spend the time with lots of romance and sweat in our bed".

I'm really sorry, members, but I can't avoid using bad words as adjectives to describe this selfish whore. While hundreds of people are dead, thousands (if not millions) of people are in danger, homeless, she thinks of having sex with her husband... come on!

Now she gave an interview saying she's sad because her Facebook account was blocked for 7 days and because she got some emails and calls from people saying she's selfish. When asked about the chaos, she said "that's not my problem. I've heard one or other people died but, who cares? probably they were poor otherwise they would be in a safer place like me. You know, they were poor... natural selection... Darwin explains it. The only problem in my home was that i had to stand almost 30 minutes without electricity, that was awful I can't beleive that in a country like the U.S. I had to pass through a situation like this... THIRTY MINUTES, CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Other thing that is hurting me is that the gym I go is closed because it was flooded and destroyed. I would die if I didn't workout but my husband found an interesting way to "exercise" my body and we're doing that several times a day." (followed by naughty laughs)

Even the host was so upset with her attitude that he cancelled the interview and called the break. His face showed he was really angry...

That woman wasn't born... she was shitted. That's the only plausible possibility.

As a brazilian, i'm ashamed because of her.
 
TWO things:

The Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youth had their drop in center flooded badly. This charity is one that most main stream people/relief orgs. do not immediately think to fund, but it helps our most vulnerable youth, those kicked out of their homes because they are LGBT. Please consider a contribution to help the Center help these young members of our community. Please. If it helps your decision, Bea Arthur did benefits for the center and left them $300,000 in her will. The vast majority of us do not have children but we can help these children who have been abandoned by their families.

Has anyone heard from Harry, Kimball455, from Cape May? He is probably without power.

http://www.aliforneycenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1101
 
Housing

Both Mr. Bloomberg and Cuomo amoung others were speaking today about the massive task ahead of finding housing, in some cases permanent for thousands of persons whom have lost their homes due to the storm.

Rental housing for the most part in many areas of NYC is tight already, especially on places like Staten Island where the trend is towards private homes. Then there will be the problem of affordability. Many of the displaced will be coming from NYC housing estates, are seniors/on fixed or moderate incomes, and so forth.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...e-sandy_n_2070682.html?ir=New+York&ref=topbar
 
Just got back...

<span style="font-size: medium;">I decided today to top off the tank, boy was I in for a rude surprise. There's about 15 gas stations in my neighborhood. ALL were closed save 3. Each of those had lines stretching for over twenty blocks. The police were everywhere, barricades were set up on many  surrounding streets, it was surreal. Some of the stations that were closed had long lines anyway, people waiting, hoping a tanker truck would arrive. And talk about price gouging...the Gulf station by my home was selling a gallon of regular for $4.59. was $3. 89 prior to Sandy. But my jaw positively dropped when I saw the Gulf station on McGuinness Blvd, $5.00 a gallon and a $40 dollar limit. So I gave up, went to Pathmark on Atlantic Ave. I expected them to have been restocked by now. Nope, very little produce, meats, frozen food, baked goods. No eggs, paper products. Very little soap and detergents. Something is very wrong when even supermarkets can't restock. </span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">I know I should be thankful for what I have, and I truly am. Especially when there is so much death, destruction and misery just a couple of miles away. Give people, if you can, be it cash, supplies or volunteer. </span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">This is no time to fart about, pondering about silly things when there are so many in dire straits near you. </span>
 
Am Not Driving Much

Because of all this nonesense over petrol. Have been in touch with family and freinds on SI and all said they are fine and for me to remain where I am for now.

Am hearing stories of persons filling up with >50 gallons of gas including one man who got nearly $100 worth in either NJ or SI, cannot remember which.

Much of this demand one is willing to guess has to do with all the generators being used, especially now that colder weather has arrived.

As someone pointed out upthread those domestic generators drink lots of gas so even a ten gallon can isn't going to last very long.

NYC/NYS goverernment via FEMA was giving away petrol starting yesterday and it turned into a disaster. Originally it was supposed to be for first responders, but that news sent people up the wall, so plans changed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/..._2073500.html?utm_hp_ref=new-york&ir=New York
 
Maine Gas Prices.com which you can plug in any US locale shows that the limited stations that have gas in the greater NYC area and are open are right now in the $3.70 range, so one ripping people off at 5 bucks should be reported. They all reported very heavy lines for those open. Consumers report the prices and status of the stations on this site, not the owners and I would guess in NY or NJ is their state gas prices.com to get the same info. Yes Laundress, home generators use ALOT of gas. Mine is a larger wattage and chews up a little more than 1 gallon an hour but will run everything needed in my house. Hopefully things will get back to normal for all in a short time.
 
Guys.

It's 2:30 a here in Brazil.

This afternoon, right after my previous message in this thread, i talked to a group of friends and we decided to do something. We created an email and sent it to the Itamaraty(Brazilian International Relations Ministry) offering ourselves as volunteers to help in the emergency areas in the U.S., as we all can speak and understand the English.

Now we just need to wait for their reply.
 
More organizations where you can make donations or volunteer

 

 

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Hope for New York:</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://hfny.org/hurricane/</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Feeding America:</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fi...ervices/network-programs/disaster-relief.aspx</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">NYC Service:</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.nycservice.org/</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Food Bank for NYC:</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.foodbanknyc.org/</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Salvation Army:</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster</span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>

 

 
 

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