Having a rough day today. **UPDATE**

[Mr.Bill]

We had a freak snowstorm yesterday and overnight. I live in Northern California in an area I have lived in for over 30 years. Usually years go by with no snow at all, maybe a little dusting every few years or so.

I live in a Senior Mobile Home park. We had over a foot of snow fall in about 18 hours. I know that doesn't sound like much to people in some areas, but it was a minor disaster her. About half of the carports, including mine, collapsed under the weight of the snow. Many of these aluminum awnings have been here for 50+ years. Most people took the precaution of getting their cars out from under them, but some didn't. About a half dozen cars are probably totaled.

We do have insurance but can't get through to them on the phone. We have been without electricity since 8:00 last night and the power company says to be ready for it to be out for an extended period of time. I do have a generator, and those of us that do are sharing as many watts as we can spare.

No one was hurt and all the mobile homes themselves are intact. Everyone is helping each other out. As one would expect in a senior park, there are many who need help, but we are all pulling together. My house is keeping the coffee flowing and the phones charged for those that need it. This is worse than any earthquake I've been in, and I've been in some big ones. We are okay for now, but I hope the power at least comes back on soon.

The worst part is we were days from putting our place on the market for a planned move to be closer to family. Now we have thousands of dollars of damage. Hopefully we can collect some insurance money then just sell the place as is at a reduced price and move on.


*Update: We recieved a check in the mail today for an amount that is quite satifactory. It will more than cover the damage, but we will just sell the place as-is and put the cash towards our move and the new place. Realtor says that since there was a lot of damage in the area inventory is low and she thinks we can actually raise our asking price a bit.

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. I'm so sorry, Mr. Bill.

I hope everything works out with insurance and selling so you can make the move you want. I’m glad you are ok, so stay safe and keep on keepin’ on.

We’re here to give moral support any time.

[Mr.Bill]

2. Thanks.

[kimbutgar]

3. Hang in there we Northern Californians aren't used to snow and it can be stressful

And hopefully the insurance company will come though.

[Mr.Bill]

10. My wife was born in upstate New York

so she is a real trooper in this situation. That's a big help.

[kimbutgar]

12. +1

[3catwoman3]

4. So glad to know you were not hurt.

Good luck with the insurance.

[DarthDem]

5. Aw, I'm Sorry to Hear This

Maybe this will be one of those situations where the insurance company surprisingly steps up and it turns out to be relatively painless. I hope so. I hope your power comes back on shortly too. I can't take it when ours goes off.

[soldierant]

35. Different companies may respond differently to the same event.

One that I worked for would send teams out to the site if there were multiplie policyholders, and would inclde employees from the underwriting side - which is how I am aware that it happened (not that I ever went on one, but I did work with people who did.) The other may have sent teams, but if so, they didn't include underwriters.

Also, as you might have gathered, it matters how many policyholders with the same company are in the same location.

And then, the company itself matters also. They really aren't all exactly the same.

I hope all your policies are written in such a way that the companies are able to compensate you for what you actually need. Most people are kind of vague on what theor policies actually cover and this is not the best time to be finding out.

[rubbersole]

6. Generator owners that share are mini-heroes...

..good luck. The karma fairy will visit someday.

[markie]

7. so very sorry to hear this

I am hoping for the best for you... hope the insurance comes through...

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

8. Wishing you the best. I'm also in N. Calif.

We only got about 3 inches, but there was a fire department call that went out this morning saying King Ridge Road was closed to emergency vehicles. The sun is trying to come out and things are melting, but I think a lot of these dirt roads will be a muddy mess.

Take care,

[Mr.Bill]

9. Thank you all for your

kind words and well wishes.

[XanaDUer2]

11. I'm sorry nt

[debm55]

13. Mr. Bill, so glad you, your wife and neighbors are not hurt. Wishing you all the best.

[hamsterjill]

14. Gosh, that truly is a rough day.

Weather can wreak havoc. I’m so sorry. Hang in there a little longer and hopefully all will work out.

Hope you are able to rest and have some peace tonight.

[stage left]

15. I live in South Carolina

so that would be a disaster here, too. I hope you get your power back on soon and everything goes better.

[KatK]

16. so sorry! hope your insurance pays well and that things settle down quickly for all n/t

[LoisB]

17. Thankfully, no one has been hurt. Good luck to you and your neighbors - stay safe.

[Sogo]

18. I live in the Midwest.

A foot of snow is a LOT, no matter how fast it comes down!!

I can't imagine being in a place where you aren't used to or prepared for that possibility and then getting hit with it. I'm wishing you all the best in dealing with the situation you're faced with and in dealing with the insurance companies.

[LostinRed]

19. Sorry to read this stay positive

Good luck. I hope your insurance company comes through. Stay safe and warm as you can.

[gademocrat7]

20. Glad you, your wife and neighbors are not injured.

Take care.

[mgardener]

21. I am so sorry.

We lucked out.
We were supposed to get 8-12 + but only got 5 inches.
But it was bitterly cold -4 while we shoveled and used the blower.
We did our neighbors too as her husband was out of town.

You are doing a wonderful thing for your neighbors.
Hope you get your electricity back soon.

[Javaman]

22. sorry :(

Been right were you are now.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

23. hope it is resolved soon

[Evolve Dammit]

24. Thanks Mr. Bill. Heartening to hear the pulling together. If all gets fixed, you may not need to

reduce your price. Best wishes and thanks for being a good person to those in need!

[Lonestarblue]

25. So sorry to hear your news. I hope insurance comes through for you.

[BigmanPigman]

26. Good luck with your insur co.

They will probably increase your premiums even though it isn't your fault, like mine has in the past (tons of water damage every few years from surrounding apts' which are above mine on a slight slope and drain into mine). At least if you move you won't have that cost where you relocate.

Don't move to San Diego, everything here is very expensive.

[Mr.Bill]

29. I'm not worried about them raising the rates.

I plan on being out of here in two months. We had already started to pack. My grandson is putting a manufactured home on his property and we will rent it. It should be here in a few weeks. All I will need is renter's insurance. The structure will be covered by his homeowner's policy.

I sure couldn't afford San Diego, and that's too far from family. We will be moving to Grass Valley in the Gold Country.

[BigmanPigman]

32. Glad to hear that!!!

The reason I moved here was to be with my family too.

[Nictuku]

46. I'm up by Berryessa (Napa county)

Our little community up in the hills got at least 6" of snow, but I would say more like a foot. This morning, it hasn't all melted yet, I couldn't go anywhere right now if I wanted unless I shoveled the driveway. And the windy mountain roads up here are all iced. Scary! I suspect it will finish melting off today.

Our power was out for 13 hours! My 81 year old mom lives with me, and she is a trooper. All our heat is electric, and we ran out of firewood about a week ago (now we are wishing we had saved it, but who expected Snow and no power? Last week it felt like Spring was here already) I've lived here for 13 years, and have never seen this.

I wish it was easier to post videos/photos here, (I don't want to open another 3rd party hosting account). Anyway, it was BEAUTIFUL! A Winter Wonderland when I got up yesterday morning. No damage to the house. Snow dripping off all the trees. It was gorgeous.

We had people in our community snowboarding down the road. Kids building snowmen and playing in the snow.

Even with the cold and no electricity, My 81 year old mom was a trooper, she knows how to dress warm. We both pretty much stayed in bed all day (for the warmth). We would turn off the refrigerators for a while and use electric blankets to heat up the beds with the feather comforters, then switch back. (our generator is a little Honda, and we can't do anything involving heat AND the 2 refrigerators)

It got us through the day.

We had shelter. We had sweaters. With my little generator we had refrigerators/TV/Internet/Lights/Phone Chargers - just no heat or cooking! (I do have a camping propane burner to heat the water for our french press coffee makers) so we had COFFEE - and unlike some people in the world right now, we had no one bombing us (Slava Ukraine!).

Just around the time we were trying to figure out what canned food would work for dinner (which we were not excited about), the Power came back on! And once again, all is well in my home and with my mom. Of course, it was after 4 pm, and the first thing we did was turn on the Central Heating (which we hardly use). After 4 pm, PGE raises rates and my next bill will probably be around $660 again. When we don't have firewood, we usually only turn it on in the morning for about an hour to get the chill off, and then we use these ceramic wall mounted heater element things which keeps our bedrooms at around 62. The bill is usually $400. It only goes up to 600 when we have to use the central heating. Something is going to have to give on this electricity/gas gouging that is going on out here. I don't know how people on fixed incomes can afford not to freeze.

I am sorry that you had damage, I'm hoping that maybe insurance will help, and that you can go on with your plans.

Grass Valley, eh? I have some friends who live up there. For California, it is kind of Right-wing country. I wish you the best, maybe you will be able to help balance things out up there some.

[Fla Dem]

27. The weather has certainly created many challenges and disasters in the past year.

I'm glad you didn't suffer any injuries or damages to you home.

Stay safe Mr. Bill!

[70sEraVet]

28. We used to live in a neighborhood in Nashville, and we had natural gas while most neighbors ...

only had electric. Whenever there was an ice storm that knocked out power, we'd invite neighbors over for some warmth and hot coffee or hot chocolate. Lydia used to keep oil lamps well stocked, and we always enjoyed sharing sharing our home in those times.
Bummer about the carports, though.

[Mr.Bill]

31. There's no natural gas in my county.

Only propane and it's very expensive here.

[70sEraVet]

36. But you have a generator, and I'm sure many of your neighbors don't.

So you get to be the host who can offer a bit of the modern comforts that your neighbors are missing.

[Mr.Bill]

37. Exactly. Something as simple as charging a cell phone

can be really important for senior citizens who have no family nearby. My BBQ grill is buried under the wreckage from the carport. There is still too much snow on it to be able to move it. I think by tomorrow enough of it will have melted so then I can light my grill and do some cooking for those who can't. We've been eating from the microwave and toaster oven.

[70sEraVet]

38. Yeah, I've fired up the grill and cooked all the stuff that had thawed in our freezer.

After ypu cook it, you can refreeze it!

[Mr.Bill]

39. My generator is running the refrigerator and an upright freezeer in my storage shed.

Enough power left over for the TV and internet, Then I alternate between the fridge and a space heater.

[70sEraVet]

41. Yeah, natural gas didn't do anything for our chest freezer!

Take care, Mr Bill. Hope all goes well for you and your neighbors!

[Mr.Bill]

42. A few tips for those planning to get or use a generator:

Keep fuel on hand, don't wait for the disaster to happen. I keep a five gallon and a few two gallon cans on hand. Put fuel stabilizers in like Stabil in the fuel and it can last up to 18 months or two years. I start my generator once a month and run it for at least 15 minutes. It started right up this morning on gas nearly two years old. When the gas gets that old, or even sooner, put it in your car and replace what's in your cans.

Also don't wait until the power outage to buy extension cords. They are one of the first thinga to vanish from the hardware stores. Also find out which gas stations have generator power to stay open during outages and what their hours are.

[cate94]

33. I'm sorry

A foot of snow is a big deal, especially when you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow. I’m from Chicago area, and a foot at once is difficult. Heavy snow that brings down carports is especially dangerous for those who shovel.

I’m glad you are helping each other. Please make sure you and your neighbors stay warm.

[yardwork]

34. I'm so sorry, and I hope things get better soon.

Good for you for taking care of others even in the midst of this.

[Mr.Bill]

40. I only turn 70 this year,

that qualifies me as "youth" in this neighborhood.

[niyad]

43. Sending hugs and light and love. Thank you for helping to take care of your

neighbors in this mess. Know that your DU family is here for you, so lean as hard as you need.

[Mr.Bill]

44. YAY!!!

Power is back on! I wasn't expecting that.

[Nevilledog]

45. So good to hear!

[mucifer]

47. A foot of snow is a lot pretty much anywhere. So sorry you are going through this

Fingers crossed things will get better soon. Glad you are ok.

I live in Chicago. Here a foot of snow is considered a huge snowstorm . For Northern California, I can't imagine

[Mr.Bill]

48. Getting ready for rough day 2.0.

We just had an inch or two of snow last night which isn't too bad, but the temps went down into the 20s so all the snow that has partially melted has turned into ice. Streets are clear so I can get out today to get a few things and fill my gas cans. It should warm up into the mid 40s today and Sunday, so we should get a little more melting.

The larger problem on the horizon is that the are predicting seven+inches of new snow on Sunday night/Monday morning, so we have to be ready for that. It's sure to bring another power outage at the least. So here we go again.

[Baltimike]

49. Please charge everything and keep us posted. nt

[Mr.Bill]

50. Not sure what you mean by

charge everything, but will keep everyone posted.

[Baltimike]

51. Your phone and devices, etc. nt

[Mr.Bill]

52. Okay, now I get it.

I do have a generator, so I can charge things even without power.

[Mr.Bill]

53. Right now, we are

getting some rain, but no snow. They are now only predicting a few inches of snow for tomorrow morning, far less than they were predicting a few days ago for that time period.

Again, thanks to all of you for your kind words. It really has helped.

[Mr.Bill]

54. We had enough sun today to

melt what snow was left on our roof and remaining awnings. I went and filled up all my gas cans in case we have another power outage. Keeping my fingers crossed we don't get much snow.

[Mr.Bill]

55. So far so good.

This morning's snow forcast turned out to be mostly rain. They are predicting snow for tomorrow morning, I hope that goes the same way.

[Mr.Bill]

56. Finally, some possible good news.

First, we finally got to talk to our insurer. They will be sending a claims adjuster out.

Then we met with our realtor who we were going to list the mobile home with. I asked her how much the price will have to come down if we sold the home without the awning being replaced. She said there are so many mobile homes damaged from the storm that the reduced inventory might allow us to raise the price because our damage is the awning alone and the home itself is not damaged. I hope she's not being over optimistic.

[Mr.Bill]

57. Kick for update.

[debm55]

58. Thanks for the update Mr.Bill. that is wonderful news about getting the money.

[Mr.Bill]

59. It suprised me how fast it was.

The best thing is I don't have to worry about them raising my rates since I'm moving out of here.

[debm55]

60. Yes, I was going to include the speed involved. Good for you!