Monday, November 5, 2012

Aftermath of a Hurricane or the Perfect Storm

I was talking to my Dad a couple of days before Hurricane Sandy (reduced to a storm at that time) was due to hit our area in Pennsylvania.  He had already referenced it as the perfect storm with 3 weather systems colliding, this time on land.  These perfect storm scenarios have happened out at sea but rarely on land.  But, here we all were waiting on land for the collision.

Though we were without electricity for 5 days, it was nothing compared to those who are still without electricity, have severely damaged homes; have no homes to go to; or, have loss loved ones in the aftermath of a perfect storm.  Many of us ask, how can we help?  What can I do? 

I was moved by my friend's story.  Though still without power in New Jersey, she was able to obtain a generator to use sparingly since probane was not easy to obtain.  She has now taken in a 94 year old and 91 year old couple who live in her neighborhood and has offered another spare room to her neighbors without power. Yes, in each of our own way, we can reach out to help. We do not have to wait for direction or permission or some organized venture. What can you share!! What can you give!! Answer and move on it!!
Felice Vazquez, 40, of Hoboken, greets a neighbor as she mans a table providing hot drinks and snacks on Washington Street as the buildings around them remain without power due to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, Nov. 4, 2012, in Hoboken, N.J. (John Minchillo/AP Photo )

A good samaritan provides electricity for storm victims to charge electronic devices on 11th Street, Oct. 31, 2012 in Hoboken, N.J. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Workers try to clear boats and debris from the New Jersey Transit's Morgan draw bridge, Oct. 31, 2012, in South Amboy, N.J. (Mel Evans/AP Photo )
 
People line up to fill gas containers at the New Jersey Turnpike's Thomas A. Edison service area, Oct. 31, 2012, near Woodbridge, N.J. (Mel Evans/AP Photo )

People wait to use a pay phone on Bright Beach Avenue, Oct. 31, 2012, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (John Minchillo/AP Photo )