Halloween delayed [View All]

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Storm Alfred caused most of the state of CT to go without power for a week or so- in some parts people are still without power. I live in Bristol with my wife and three kids. I pride myself on being prepared for most things, however nothing prepared me for this storm. To be honest, I realized that I was woefully ill prepared. Enough so that I had to rethink things, much soul searching- I was always prepared to be able to "survive" without the basics though I guess that I really never thought about the fact that there are now 5 of us. Never re thought or re evaluated the survival strategy. Pretty deep, aye? I figured that since my in- laws lived in the next town over that we always had a place to go if something went wrong. Well, that didn't work out so well, 100% of that that was out of power- worse than my town. Well I was in a tough spot, being the type of person that I am, I do not fail nor would I fail my family. That is a lot of stress and pressure- I kept thinking of what folks in far worse situations than I were in- think Katrina, etc. But I do not give in to challenges- they bring out the best in me.
My greatest concern were my children and my wife, I needed to have the basic needs fulfilled- roof over head, food, heat, water, love, and security. The first night we were in total darkness, other than candles and flashlights- house temp was around 50 degrees, We made due- second night, put fridge contents in cooler and packed with snow, used water from swimming pool to flush toilets, used grill to cook dinner. Third day, fixed kerosene heater -macgyver style, and got heat in house, gerry rigged the extension cord and plugged it into my car- was able to in a lamp in the house, recharge my phones and kids games. Ventured out got gas and was able to get some food, water and baby wipes - tricks learned from when I was in the the army.

Neighbors were great- let us have firewood, propane for grill if needed, one neighbor with generator let family take showers. Good people!

We survived, not much of a challenge compared to what others have had to go through, nevertheless it was a challenge to us. We thought of going to a hotel- they were booked up and would have been inconvenient at best. My father in law mentioned a number of times, in many different ways, how I should have a generator. Well here I was.

That leads to tonight, we celebrated Halloween and we had over 50 kids show up- what a great night!


On Tuesday two of my neighbors got deliveries from ups- this in combination with my father in laws "hints" got me thinking. I got on the internet through my phone and ordered a generator for delivery overnight. Well overnight does not necessarily mean over night- I got it on Friday- my power was back on but I am prepared for the next time.