BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 03:46 PM

Go to a auto parts store (or Walmart) and buy an inverter. They come in various sizes, plug into your car's power outlet (formerly known as the light socket), and can provide AC power to run your fridge or freezer for a bit, then switch to charging you cell phone, etc. All off your car's engine (suggestion: go fill the tank with gas NOW).

Just don't run the car in a closed garage or similar place...carbon monoxide poisoning ain't fun at all, as I know.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: GUEST,Dharmabum
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 03:56 PM

Went to the store today.
There wasn't one single loaf of bread left on the shelves.
So,I bought the ingredients to make my own.
Homemade's better anyway.

Here's a song from the transatlantic sessions to fit the mood.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUGTiAOPAcA&feature=fvwrel

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: EBarnacle
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 04:03 PM

Get votive candles [for nightlights in the toilet] and boil eggs. Eat all the ice cream and frozen yogurt or it will mel and change texture when it refreezes. Precook durable foods then stick it in the fridge or freezer after it cools down.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 04:05 PM

Went to the store and came back without toilet paper - oh crap!
I can pick some up on my way to work tomorrow. Hope the basement stays dry. Everything on the floor is in plastic bins.

SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: gnu
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 04:23 PM

Mary... is the forecast bad for you? Doesn't look bad for me and I ain't that far north of you. Of course, swipe is something that should be in stock. Storm or not!

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 04:35 PM

Everything in my basement that can be ruined has been. I just need to rent a dumpster for a while. The basement doesn't flood anyway, it seeps. Heavy rain doesn't usually get in, but days of constant rain and ground soakage does it.

I went to the store and got batteries for flashlights. When I was at the cash register, I remembered I hadn't grabbed any water, then I realized I have seltzer bottles in the recycling and tap water. Duh.

If my house isn't going to freeze, the worst thing about power outages is boredom. The thing is, it's not freezing, I have food, water, batteries, a full charge on my phone and computer, and a full tank of gas in my car. That means the power probably won't be off for that long. I'm not even gonna suggest it won't go out at all.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 05:32 PM

Sometimes it's lovely not to have power. I can read and not feel guilty about doing all the house cleaning type stuff that requires electricity.

As long as I've got enough batteries/charged flashlights to read by, I'm fine. Maybe even a guilt-free nap. If it's nice out, I can do some yard work until the noise of the generators drive me back inside.

I'm not even gonna suggest it won't go out at all. We're with the Co-op, Jeri. If you exhale too energetically the power will go out. (Or if a butterfly slams into a pole.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 05:33 PM

Rail and bus transportation are now shut down throughout New York State. It's uncertain when they will resume.

Therefore, Mike Kennedy from Rochester, NY, will have to hunker down here with us for a few more days. We should be able to get some more editing done on his recording tracks, as long as we still have power...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: maeve
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 05:34 PM

Dan Schatz- ;) Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Janie
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 05:48 PM

Those inverters are great tools, Rap.

If burning votive candles for light, make sure they are parked in - not on - appropriate containers - preferably down in a tempered glass container with no flame above the top and something heat resistant underneath the container - to be completely safe. It's easy to forget to snuff the candle out when you leave the room. A foolish acquaintance recently had significant fire damage in a bathroom. The votive was on a non-heatproof plate, the countertop laminate melted and the particle board underneath ignited.

I much prefer kerosene lamps to candles. A bit safer. I understand that for long power outages battery power has to be conserved so candles or kerosene are useful - just please, be careful.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 06:11 PM

Ah, yes. Candles.

With the decline in smoking, make sure you have matches! Matches that work -- they can absorb water from the air over a long period sitting in a drawer and won't light.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 06:30 PM

Got 'em. And they work. Also got a generator. And I can burn wood if all else fails.

What worries me, though, is how this storm may affect Schenectady, New York. Given the fact that Schenectady is the cultural heart of the western world and is in the storm's path, I think it's a matter of grave concern. If Schenectady goes down, we all go down!

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 06:37 PM

I take it this would be an "October Surprise" that wasn't actually programmed.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 07:58 PM

I started this thread, then we went and did a 2 day craft show and made a few $$$. The show ended at 4PM... the drizzle started a 4:30. We drove all the way around the DC Beltway in light rain... but got home & unloaded.
Spent the next 2 hours stacking things UP where water 'might' get in. It has twice, but this is the first time I ever got ahead of the game. Rugs in the downstairs are my main concern, as it takes days to dry them IF we get sun. I think I got as far as easily possible.
Also cleared off an old gas stove in an awkward place in my workshop... but haven't lit the pilot yet.....at least we could cook (and make coffee & tea!)if we had several days without power.

My son works at a surplus store & says he MUST go to work tomorrow.....but they already sold everything possible for emergencies! I hope they call him and say "never mind".

So.... we shall see, hmmm? Highest rain & wind are predicted for 10AM to 2 PM tomorrow (Mon.).... but lasting off & on for 24 hrs or more.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: EBarnacle
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 08:06 PM

Drift warning:
On the way home, we went by way of the Washington to Baltimore parkway. Came around a curve and there was the Washington monument. Unless you are elevated, like on a highway or hill, you cannot really appreciate how much taller it is than everything around it. It is IMPRESSIVE in its size and simplicity.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 08:11 PM

Let's hope it doesn't blow down.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 08:20 PM

Spoke with my brother last night... He lives in a "beach box" in Kill Devil Hills, NC... Said the house was movin' a little... Beach boxes don't have 1st floors... They have 2nd and 3rd floors and have a series of posts upon which they are built... They are 'sposed to move a little in storms and they do... No, not like the posts move but the box above them sways in the wind...

Not sure I'd like that feeling but he's okay with it...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Jack Campin
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 08:32 PM

What worries me, though, is how this storm may affect Schenectady, New York. Given the fact that Schenectady is the cultural heart of the western world and is in the storm's path, I think it's a matter of grave concern.

From Michael Marra, who died a few days ago:

Schenectady calling Peerie Willie Johnson

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 08:40 PM

Very cool, Jack. Looks like Schenectady has, in fact, made quite a contribution to the world of broadcast music.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Janie
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 09:13 PM

Bobert, blizzard warning has now been issued from the Maryland border all along the Allegheny Highlands in West Virginia, down into extreme southwest Virginia to the Kentucky border.

I'm not sure I have ever seen a blizzard warning anywhere in West Virginia. The leaves are still on the trees. Heavy wet snow and high winds in that rough country - gonna be some folks stranded for a good long time.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Beer
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 09:23 PM

Now that does not sound good.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 09:30 PM

Janie,

We had a freak tunder & lightnin' snow back in Jefferson Co, Wes Ginny around '94 or so and the leaves were still on the trees... You could hear the tops of trees snappin' off... It killed electrical service to our mountain community for the next week... I was lucky enough to have a generator wired into my electrical panel which ran 24/7...

It was freaky... I am really concerned about folks in Wes Ginny and the western Va. mountains with those leaves on the trees...

This could be a real slobber knocker...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Janie
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 10:01 PM

When that front blew all across the midwest into the east this summer there were many places in West Virginia, even in the Kanawha Valley, that were without power (and with wells, that means no water) for over a month because the big power lines were accessible only by heliocoptor due to the dirt access roads being blocked by downed trees.

Mom's near Charleston, and out of harm's way from this. That is a relief. Annie is hunkered down on the Eastern Shore, mostly concerned about the possibility of trees coming down on the house once the soil is saturated.

I had to smile. She didn't like the way her chain saw was running, and rather than take a chance since there is no time to take it in for a tune-up, went out and bought a new one today. I had passed on BWL's advice yesterday, and asked her if she had it with her in the house. "No, but I did bring the big spud bar inside in case I have to pry a tree out of the way to get to the garage." Wacky girl.

Be as safe as you can, all you 'Catter's in harm's way. If or when you lose power we aren't going to be hearing from you. Those with smart phones and a means to keep them charged, check in occasionally if you reasonably can and have the time, and know that many of the rest of us are holding you close in our thoughts.

Tinker? Have you everything up off the basement floor?

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 10:30 PM

Tinker is GOOD at getting stuff off the floor! *grin*.... she got practice the night she stayed at my place one night while her car was repaired. The area I just pre-cleared is where the guest bed is.

With this much warning, they'll do ok I'd bet.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: MarkS
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 10:54 PM

Lets see - we live in southern New Jersey. Philadelphia is the bullseye for Monday and Tuesday.
So
Got lots of gas for generator
Got lots of candles
Got lots of batteries
Brought 12 bales of hay from farm to dam up the apron on the driveway since it overflowed with Irene and dumped all the water
into the basement.
Got spare sump pumps
What? Me Worry? :)!

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 11:26 PM

Brought in the few things I have on the deck of my condo unit. Then I got ready to go to my son's family's house for dinner. As soon as I stepped out of my front door I realized what I hadn't brought inside . . . the doormat! After dinner at my son's house (where I suggested he might want to bring in the wind chimes near the front door--which he did) I filled up my car's gas tank, then brought in the doormat. I took my shower and decided to postpone raising the water heater's temp until before I go to bed. Before I go to bed I will also drain my smart phone's battery, then plug it in to recharge. I do have the kind of landline that works when the power goes out, so I should be okay even if the power goes out for a few days. I don't rely on batteries. I have a wind-up flashlight and a wind-up radio.

And now I wait . . . and try not to hold my breath.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Oct 12 - 11:42 PM

My wife's with her mother in a retirement community in Silver Spring. The community will bring in four truck-mounted generators tomorrow morning so those folks on oxygen or need electricity for other medical things will have it. My wife bought six days worth of food, some water, and is charging her US and European cell phones, just in case. She's not overly worried, they brought in the patio furniture as per the community instructions.

I hope she can stay in touch; I assume that the DC area would be a high priority for communications repair.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 02:05 AM

In the West we may not be posting as much but be assured that we are keeping you in the East in our best thoughts. Stay safe...

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: open mike
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 05:22 AM

I saw a post warning folks that freezers are more efficient when filled, so put extra bottles of water in to retain the cold...also freeze some that you can put in the fridge to keep it cold. (incase of power outage) another message suggested to fill your clothes washer (and dishwasher as well) with ice to keep your beer cold! (not sure how well this works, as they may not drain out the melted ice so well if not able to use the electric pump to empty it) Also don't forget that cordless phones require power, so keep an old plug-in phone on hand to use if power goes out. good luck to all and stay safe!

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 10:23 AM

We're just expecting gale winds here in Maine tonight, with about 3 inches of rain. I've just made the round of hauling in all our campaign signs. We should be able to replant them Wednesday.

We did a test of my mother's emergency cell phone yesterday, asking her to give us a call, and evidently it's not working properly. She's got one of those Jitterbug phones that senior citizens are supposed to be able to operate. We discovered from the Jitterbug website that the company had changed the procedures for calling out, now requiring a "1" before the other ten numbers. So all the numbers we had implanted in her phone no longer worked; we were able to resubmit the numbers via the internet. But the damn phone is still not working. It is properly charged. I just talked to her on her land-line and the bugger is still not working. DRAT!!!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 10:52 AM

freezers are more efficient when filled, so put extra bottles of water in to retain the cold

Partly filled and with the tops off, please.

Exploded bottles in a freezer are a mess.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Tinker
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:00 AM

Okay I have one last round of pick up in the basement.the heavy work is done. We are 12 miles inland, and looking at 4-6 inches of rain over the next few days now. the real danger is on the shore and the wind.

The wind is gusting 40-50 miles an hour already and there is an amazing satellite image showing the storm circling from Raleigh to Nova Scotia.

Our big issue is the fact the furnace's automatic water feed started to malfunction last night and is overfilling the furnace so I had to turn it off. As fast as I drain it it refills. No sense in getting it fixed ,even if I could get someone, here until I know if the furnace is going to be flooded and destroyed. ( No, there doesn't seem to be an easy way to disconnect the auto feed)

Keep safe everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:09 AM

Tinker-

Damn. That's just the time when a furnace malfunctions.

There should be a shut-off valve somewhere for that feed. Might still be useful to try to contact your usual furnace service professional.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Tinker
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:33 AM

All the shut offs have been clearly labeled and that box does not have it's own. In fact the furnace water cut off is separate and doesn't effect the box ... clearly an issue to be addressed at a later date. this furnace is six inches off the ground, but Irene put it almost a foot under water. It only needed a new starter after that, but a second submerge could kill it all together. The house temp is staying pretty stable, and we will probably loss power in the next 24 hours.

If the floor is dry and the power is on I will call tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Elmore
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:44 AM

I know the media tends to hype these things, but some people need to be hit over the head before they pay attention. The Governor has declared a state of emergency here in New Hampshire. I'm concerned about a long term power outage.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: gnu
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:46 AM

Looks pretty nasty on the weather sites. 9PM tonight, about 100km offshore and wind at 150kph. 9AM tomorrow, Philly, 120kph.

Stay safe.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 11:50 AM

Charlie -- I know that Jitterbug phones don't work in New Hampshire at all -- they don't have a network here. There's a map in their ads in the AARP magazine that shows where they don't offer service. I'm not sure about Maine...

That may be the problem.

Tom's got a TracFone. We're in a dead space here at the house, so have to go to Rte 4 or Lee Circle to use it. (Actually can get a signal up at Demmon's stor.) Even with Tom's limited eyesight, he can use it.

Just googled their website (http://www.greatcall.com/CheckCoverage/) has white (no service) close to your location. At best it's on the cusp.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 12:24 PM

Believe it or not the sun just came out in Portland. Go figure.
We're closing at 4PM today. Not sure about tomorrow.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 12:41 PM

Reading along and wishing you all a safe outcome without too much damage/hard work cleanup.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Maryrrf
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 01:49 PM

Here in Richmond, VA the rain is pouring down but the wind doesn't seem too bad and the power is still on. The worst of it here is forecast to be tonight, when the winds will pick up. But we're not on the main path. Hope all of my friends on the east coast are okay - post here if you get a chance.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 02:07 PM

raining here like crazy tomorrow it will hit the great lakes with high winds ... I am pretty far away from NYC but we were told power will go out, hope my trees hold up

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: gnu
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 02:42 PM

Linn.

There are other ways. You can buy an antenna ($70 or so???) that you can mount on the house or in the highest tree around... now, I ain't sure about the tree but I can't see why not. Then again, I just dunno.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 02:53 PM

Power's out here. Will probably save the computer's batteries.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 02:59 PM

Wind is starting to really kick up now -- we're about 25 miles from the coast (New Hampshire). Our only concern is downed trees or large branches. I think all the white pines up at the head of the driveway have gone in other storms and I really wish the dead branch of the oak would come down. The tree is at the head of our driveway but it's on our down-the-hill-neighbors' land. We've not had any real problem in 35 or so years, but we ARE in the middle of the woods. Just over the crest of a hill, much higher elevation than coastal NH.

The hill is why we don't have non-existant cell service, even from upstairs or at the head of the driveway or even up the hill -- and why before cable we only got 3 TV stations. (But we don't watch TV anyway.) Not a problem -- can usually get service if we drive up to Rte. 152. Heading the other way, we usually end up down at McDonald's at the Circle or the parking lot at Market Basket.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 03:20 PM

Got a call from my mother down at Georgetown Island. She and a neighbor managed to get her Jitterbug cellphone working again. Maybe it works now because Judy added the crucial "1" to the phone numbers in its memory via the internet and they finally got downloaded.

Still, not a whole lot stirring around here in Midcoast Maine.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 03:21 PM

Just watching it on the UK news. Good luck over the next few days you guys.
Al.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 03:37 PM

Sun's out here in Idaho, with a light overcast.

Worrying about my wife and MIL in Silver Spring, MD.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Tinker
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 03:41 PM

Winds are definitely picking up.... sounds like a train wooshing down the driveway on the side of the house but this grand ol'house is standing firm. Okay perhaps shedding a few slates......

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 03:47 PM

Silver Spring is just moderately rainy... so far...I can't imagine we'll get off without SOME more issues, but Ma Nature is whimsical.

Subject: RE: BS: Storm warnings-east coast US ['Sandy']
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Oct 12 - 04:28 PM

Raining and blowing like a sumnabich here. Bored already. I think I should go do some music, call Batty to see if she somehow didn't lose power, and leave the internet alone for a bit.
The rain and wind have worked together to the point where what LOOKS like fog is just blown-apart rain.

I could be in a scarier place, and those who ARE have my best wishes.