Halloween delayed

[bpositive]

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.

[Suich]

1. Sounds like quite an adventure!

Smart move ordering a generator!

:)

[bpositive]

2. Well

I agree- I vowed not to be put in this situation again.

[Quantess]

3. I was going to welcome you to DU but I see you joined about the same time I did.

:hi:

[bpositive]

4. Honestly,

I have been reading DU since around 2004. Been addicted ever since- don't post much but love to read.

[MADem]

5. When using kerosene or propane heaters indoors, be sure your

carbon monoxide alarms are in good nick with fresh batteries (particularly if you have the kind that plug in ordinarily and have battery backup).

Also, it's a good idea to have a few "crank" lights, a "crank" radio, and a battery operated radio as well. The crank lights are good for when you want to go to the crapper--a dozen or two turns of the crank will give you all the light you need.

Also, you know those goofy solar garden lights? They have an on/off switch on them, often as not. Turn 'em off, charge 'em up during the day, and save them for use at night--makes it easier to move around the house if you have the odd corner lit.

Even with a generator, if you can take the load off it with crank/solar lights and other sources of heat, you can use it for other things (like a small tv!).

[bpositive]

7. Good suggestion

Good suggestions- I was in my shed earlier today and saw my solar lights and thought about that- as for the kerosene heater producing carbon monoxide- I was not aware of that- good thing nothing happened to us.

Wiki-
Because kerosene heaters are usually unvented, all combustion products are released into the indoor air. Among these are low levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.<4> An improperly adjusted, fueled, or poorly maintained kerosene heater will release more pollutants, particularly through incomplete combustion. Use of a kerosene heater in a poorly ventilated home, especially in modern well insulated ones, could pose a health risk. Most manufacturers suggest that a window be left cracked open. Kerosene heaters should not be left unattended, especially while sleeping. A kerosene heater, as any heater that uses organic fuel, when running out of oxygen can produce massive amounts of soot and carbon monoxide.<5> Failure to abide by these precautions could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

[unkachuck]

6. "...we celebrated Halloween and we had over 50 kids show up..."

....congratulation, well done!

....it just ain't right to chump kids out of Halloween....Halloween was always one of my most 'funnest' holidays....it's the only day of the year you can knock on anyones door and they're obliged to give you free candy; a kids dream come true....

[bpositive]

8. Here, here

Couldn't agree more

[Tesha]

9. Trick-or-Treating is tonight here in Nashua, NH. (NT)