Windstorms recently making me think about Gulf Coast friends again.

[uppityperson]

They have been this way for over a yr, some of them. Some worse, some better, but trees still down, homes not useable, no power, no water, no phones, no jobs, etc. So I am cross posting a link to another topic asking them what we can do now to help them. We westcoasters have had a taste of it, now what? Hoping all are safe and things up going here again soon.

GD topic
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2934836&mesg_id=2934836
Hurricane Survivors forum topic
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=360&topic_id=619&mesg_id=619

[uppityperson]

1. 1 kick for almost a wk later, and a rant

Power is still not back on, may not be on for another week in places. People are dying from CO poisoning from generators and charcoal burners. 1 woman drowned in her basement. People do not have heat, are staying in shelters. People are getting fed up and frustrated and can you believe they may not have electricity until after Christmas?

It has been almost a week. How about those in the Gulf Coast who have been like this for 15 MONTHS! Are we, here in WA, prepared to deal with an emergency, a crisis? Flu pandemic (even regular influenza). Giant earthquake. Another rain/wind storm. One of the mts erupts. Someone/s finally decides to start bombing here. How about the foodline from CA/FL/Mexico is cut off because THEY have a crisis?

This is something to think about. Look around, what needs to be prepared? I'm not talking tuna and powdered milk under the bed, but even get to know neighbors and others nearby to be able to have a relationship so you can help each other if need be.

There is no cavalry. There will be no cavalry. We need to help each other and work together and be prepared.

[flamingyouth]

2. I totally agree with you, up.

You've said this all so eloquently, I can't really elaborate except to say thanks and give you a :thumbsup:

We Americans have short attention spans and most people have forgotten about the people along the Gulf Coast by now, I think (though there are still people helping). I just can't imagine this situation going on for 15 months. And no, we're clearly not prepared for a huge crisis, if this is any indication. :(

[LaBanty]

3. underground power lines

One of the first things we should look at in this state is migrating old above-ground power systems to underground systems. Most of the damage was caused by fallen trees. Worse, tree damage causes power outages all the time, not just after this particular storm. The next big wind storm we'll be back where we started - fixing damage to power poles. At this point it's become ludicrous to maintain this antiquated system we're nurturing. Clearly, in an area that has so many trees and high winds in the winter, this is a piss poor system of maintaining an electrical grid.

No, there is no cavalry. There isn't even common sense. When 1.5 million people are brought to their knees by wind damage, it's time to rethink our methods. Heck, it's past time.

Gregoire is all about education. Well, let's start with the obvious and work from there. We may not be able to prevent an earthquake, an eruption, or some type of attack, but having an electrical system this vulnerable to nature is inexcusable. When you consider there was ample warning regarding this storm (unlike a spontaneous disaster), it's even more inexcusable how poorly we were prepared for what we knew would probably happen.

We don't only need to budget for educating "our future", we need to budget to correct long-standing and avoidable problems to keep people safe and warm. People in the here and now need power and lights, and not two weeks down the road, relying on assistance to arrive from other states.

[uppityperson]

4. I'm for underground also. Ours are underground (neighborhood)

Am thinking new construction this county needs to be underground also, but I think it is time to start moving all possible underground. Having warning for a storm like this, and still having this much problem, this many people dying and being hurt is wrong. Did you see yesterdays Times front page with carbon monoxide info spread across the front page in several languages and alphabets?

Agreement with you here about all you stated. We need to have a state national guard group to help in times of need, NOT send them around the world (fires, other disaster work)