To our members in the path of Hurricane Sandy

[irish]

I sit here warm and dry in MInnesota and watch the news. It is beyond description. Then, I hear the news that the electricians were sent back home and that people are not getting attention in so many places. There is severe suffering going on and people are not rising to the occasion and helping.

I am praying that somebody in charge has a brain storm and gets the national guard out to help. That is what they are for. Unforgiveable to lose people to hypothermia, starvation, etc in this great nation. I wish I was healthy and could help. Irish

[Pisces24]

I also heard that some professionals (electricians, etc.) that came there to help were turned away cause they were not union. 

[eyeamdry]

My daughter is considering going east to vounteer with the Red Cross.  She is disaster team trained and volunteers for local events, almost went to northern Michigan earlier this year, but had no dog sitter.  She had another volunteer obligation until tomorrow evening and I saw the email that said she would likely be "recruited immediately."  Now, all ducks must have to line up like other volunteers going at that time etc.  I certainly don't want her heading way east alone.

The email said something about 3 weeks.  I wonder who will get do dog sit if she goes?  She cannot afford to put her pup in doggy care (and we wouldn't want her to).  YES.  We will have the furball here.  I should be glad that both the dog and my husband will have someone to play with.  Each other.  A relationship made in dog heaven.  I think the dog will be awfully lonesome for her "Mom" because it's just them at their home.  Gramps will take good care though.  I get to hand out the treats.  I will write more if she does go.  Lucy

[Katybarstool]

Lucy

You must be so proud that your daughter can help at this terrible time. People like her will be a Godsend.

Enjoy the pooch sitting!

Kathyx

[THE BRIT]

  I live on the shoreline in CT and was a mandatory evac on Sunday so I went to the shelter, but then it didn't come in so I could go home for a short while.  They started closing the highways and roads late am and early pm but I managed to get back to the shelter.  Stayed until Tuesday am adn then went home.  Luckily my basement wasn't flooded but al ot of branchs down.  When i went down to the beach the water had definetly been higher.  We only got our power back 10.30-11pm last night.  I still feel that I am lucky considering what so many people are going through.  On of my co workers watched a house float by theirs and they had 6 feet of water in the basement.  I still got told I should have come into work on Monday though which really ticked me off!

[quietdynamics]

NJ here:
Realizing that the news may be full of sensationalism and political blather.. here is a link to let you know what the govt' has been doing to aid those affected by the hurricane. .http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/latest-national/military-casualties/38037-update-on-the-dod-and-national-guard-response-to-hurricane-sandy-november-4-2012.html

There have also been reservists who have reported and volunteered their time. Visiting Nurse Association has been climbing high rise buildings to check on the disabled and elderly.

The NYC Marathon..(no comment).
Some runners volunteered to run in Staten Island to distribute, others are helping by loading supplies onto trucks. "We'll have hundreds of runners, with group leaders, maps and signs, to help them distribute supplies to hot zones in Staten Island" 
These are the 200,000 Poland Spring bottles and hundreds of gallon jugs that would have been consumed by the 40,000 runners before the marathon was cancelled on Friday. Instead, along with 122 wool blankets, 23,500 Power Bars, 28,620 bagels, 40,000 apples, 132 cots, 42,660 t-shirts, 52,200 heat sheets among other items, these supplies have been donated to those in need.http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2012/11/04/superstorm-sandy-marathon-aid-floyd-bennett-field-disaster-relief/1681129/

Unfortunately, a weather clock may be ticking: The National Weather Service predicted Sunday that a Nor'easter that could include gusts of up to 55 mph and rain.

[Peony]

Gosh I could not imagine what they are going through over there!  My heart goes out to you and I hope and pray everyone is safe and get support - more than just food and shelter but hugs and love!!!!!!!!

[quietdynamics]

NJ.. Son just called. He is in Brick Twsp which has called for evacuation due to pending storm due Wednesday.
New problem is debis, items taken out of damaged homes, washing machines, furniture, and damaged construction will be caught up in high winds. More trees will go down and those who have regained power will once again lose it.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-06/n-dot-j-dot-town-ordering-evacuations-as-cuomo-considers-them