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Frankenstorm Sandy - You Prepared?

3K views 24 replies 6 participants last post by  Black Blade 
#1 ·
FRANKENSTORM SANDY

Okay east coasters, have you prepped yet? The recommendations are to stock up on food, water and batteries. I would hope you have much more than that.

Many haven't even started to get the minimum basics together and they will be the ones who will be wondering where the government is to help them. The lessons of Katrina are lost on them. Besides, it's probably already too late to get what you need by now anyway. Food items are disappearing fast off the store shelves.



The current track shows a storm moving northward toward a collision with an Artic cold front. The combination may form what is called "The Storm of the Century". Food, water and batteries may not be enough. Prepare to be without power with falling temperatures, limited transportation and few stores with even the basics open for business. It could last for several days (maybe weeks) as utility crews scramble to repairs downed power lines and road crews work to clear roads for travel.



U.S. East Coast battens down ahead of Hurricane Sandy

6:18pm EDT

* New York officials consider closing subway lines next week

* Utilities' response to any outages to be closely watched

By Barbara Goldberg

NEW YORK, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Governors up and down the U.S. East Coast declared states of emergency on Friday before a potential pounding from Hurricane Sandy, as authorities urged residents to stock up on food, water and batteries in case the storm lives up to forecasters' worst fears.

From the Carolinas to Maine, municipal authorities kept a close watch on forecasts tracking the shifting path of the fierce "Frankenstorm," which could come ashore on Monday with heavy rain, storm surges and near hurricane-force winds.

In New York City, officials were considering closing down bus and subway lines next week, a step taken only once before - when Hurricane Irene slammed the city in 2011.

New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland declared states of emergency to free up resources. The District of Columbia also declared a state of emergency as the U.S. capital prepared for a possible hit.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell urged residents in coastal areas to prepare to evacuate before the storm hits and advised others in the state to stock up on provisions needed to get through any disaster.

"I encourage all Virginians to gather batteries, blankets, water, canned goods and other necessities prior to the anticipated onset of storm conditions," McDonnell said in a statement. "We could see severe weather lasting for 48 hours or more in the state."

The storm's likely impact on Virginia prompted Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign to cancel his Sunday night rally in Virginia Beach.

In Pennsylvania, officials warned about the dangers of driving during the storm, especially over roads and bridges already under water.

"Just a few inches of moving water can sweep away the average car," warned the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in a statement. "Turn around, don't drown."

SUPER STORM

Gusts from the storm's 550-mile (890-km) wind field were being felt in southern Florida on Friday as the slow-moving hurricane that killed at least 41 people in the Caribbean roared toward the United States.

Forecasters dubbed it "Frankenstorm" because three merging weather systems were expected to meld into a single "hybrid" super storm.

Utilities from neighboring inland states readied staging areas so that crews could answer calls for help as they come in from stricken towns and cities along the East Coast.

The utilities' response to outages caused by Hurricane Sandy will be closely watched after they promised to correct problems in restoring electricity lost during Hurricane Irene and last year's freak October snowstorm - the worst outages in Connecticut history.

Massachusetts Energy Secretary Richard Sullivan told a news conference: "They are under strict scrutiny on their response to this particular storm. We are expecting that the level of service is going to be much higher."

Consolidated Edison in New York said it was gearing up for tidal surges that may be worse that during Irene.

"All company personnel and field crews are preparing for high winds, heavy rains and flooding conditions that could wallop electric, gas and steam systems when the storm moves into New York City and Westchester County," Con Ed said in a statement.

The utility pressed customers to heed safety tips regarding downed electrical wires and keeping flashlights at the ready as well as freezers closed during power outages.

Residents offered their own storm-preparation ideas on Facebook, Twitter and through email messages.

"I have a magnetic flashlight that adheres to the fridge. The idea is that, in case of a sudden blackout, we can always find the flashlight which will help us find the candles!" wrote Linda Federico-ó Murchú of Montclair, New Jersey, in response to a friend's Facebook request for tips.

"So, note to self: make sure batteries are fresh. Ditto cellphones charged up," she added.
 
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#2 ·
Hell, I'm in the Western part of South Carolina, and we're already feeling the effects of it, with high winds, lower temps, and rain on the way. I'd sure hate to be on the coast. Any of you Gunco folks that live in the path of this thing, please take care and be well. Our thoughts/prayers are with you.
 
#5 ·
Frenzied preparations as East Coast braces for possible 'superstorm'

Snippit:

(CNN) -- Got bottled water? Food? Sandbags? Batteries? Toilet paper?

Those are questions that millions of people in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast are asking themselves this weekend, as they prepare for Hurricane Sandy -- which has already proven to be a deadly storm and is threatening heartache, and headaches, as it creeps toward the region.

Local and state officials have joined meteorologists in trumpeting the storm's potential breadth and impact, especially if it collides with a cold front from the West to create a "superstorm" that stalls over the Eastern Seaboard for days.

Computer models predict portions of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia could see up to a foot of rain, according to the CNN Weather Unit. And even though it's still October, communities in and around the Appalachian Mountains could be socked by heavy snow.

A state-by-state breakdown of hurricane preparation efforts

Anne Hargrove, for one, has gotten the hint -- and, as evidenced by her fruitless trips Friday night to Northern Virginia supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box stores such as Walmart, so, too, have many of her neighbors. She found no C or D batteries and no small water bottles, but did come away with other essentials just in case the storm knocks out her electricity.

"Basically, I got (jugs of) water, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, paper cups, flashlights," Hargrove said Saturday in Alexandria. "The reason I did it last night was because I knew if I waited until today, I'd have to drive like 50 miles to find the place that still had it."

Sandy already disrupting transportation

The rush to stay ahead of the storm is something that Richard Heilman noticed, too, as he stood in front of empty shelves at his Ace Hardware store in the Virginia city.

If the emphatic warnings from officials weren't enough, fresh memories of recent long stretches without power over the past year or so -- including a devastating and deadly storm system this summer that left millions in the dark for about a week -- have spurred many to get out and not be caught flat-footed.

Keep a hurricane preparation checklist

"People are a little bit more, hey, maybe I should go get my batteries now instead of waiting until they're all gone," Heilman said.

For some, simply stocking up is not enough.

Residents of New Jersey's barrier islands, from Sandy Hook south to Cape May, were ordered to evacuate by Sunday afternoon, as were people at Atlantic City casinos.

"I would much rather people stay in their homes," said Gov. Chris Christie, who issued the order Saturday. "But the fact of the matter is, if we're looking at hurricane force winds on the barrier islands sustained for 24 hours or more, it is simply unsafe for people to be there."

Carol Elliott said she was concerned, but won't be leaving her North Wildwood home -- because she doesn't have anywhere else to go.

Others, though, planned to abide by the order -- and keep their fingers crossed that Sandy doesn't prove to be as fierce as feared.

"I'm heeding the warning and we're going," Cheryl Nolan told CNN affiliate WKYW. "And I'm hoping that I have a house when I come back."

Continued: Frenzied preparations as East Coast braces for possible 'superstorm' - CNN.com


Black Blade: Stocking up and bugging out are the plans of many. While most are hitting the supermarkets and hardware stores, preppers and survivalists are already hunkered down or on the move to their planned bug out locations - in fact most are probably already there. The differences are that those who prepped aren't in a panic while those who procrastinate are the ones helplessly wringing their hands and looking for "government help". A major difference in mindset for sure.
 
#6 ·
Here are recommendations on what to do before a storm approaches:

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. A First Aid app is also available.

-- Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.

-- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

-- Clear gutters of debris.

-- Reinforce the garage door.

-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

-- Fill a bathtub with water.

-- Get full tank of gas in one car.

-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

-- Put an ax in your attic in case of severe flooding.

-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.

-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.

-- Leave a note to say where you are going.

-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.

Here is a list of supplies:

-- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.

-- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.

-- A can opener.

-- Flashlight(s).

-- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.

-- Extra batteries.

-- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.

-- A small fire extinguisher.

-- Whistles for each person.

-- A seven-day supply of medications.

-- Vitamins.

-- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.

-- Cell phones and chargers.

-- Contact information for the family.

-- A sleeping bag for each person.

-- Extra cash.

-- A silver foil emergency blanket.

-- A map of the area.

-- Baby supplies.

-- Pet supplies.

-- Wet wipes.

-- A camera (to document storm damage).

-- Insect repellent.

-- Rain gear.

-- Tools and supplies for securing your home.

-- Plastic sheeting.

-- Duct tape.

-- Dust masks.

-- An extra set of house keys.

-- An extra set of car keys.

-- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.

-- Household bleach.

-- Paper cups, plates and paper towels.

-- Activities for children.

-- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

American Red Cross tips on what to do after the storm arrives:

-- Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.

-- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.

-- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.

-- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

-- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.

-- Stay out of any building that has water around it.

-- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.

-- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.

-- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.

-- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.

-- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.

-- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.

-- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center
 
#7 ·
6 mobile apps for tracking Hurricane Isaac



(CNN) -- For those of us who live inland, hurricane-tracking seems more a curious indulgence, but if you live along the coastal regions in a hurricane zone, keeping tabs on these atmospheric leviathans is paramount.

Case in point, Hurricane Isaac — at one stage threatening Florida and the Republican National Convention — has moved well west, now following a path through the Gulf reminiscent of the one Hurricane Katrina traveled seven years ago.

While it's shaping up to be a weaker Category One storm when it makes landfall, with sustained winds of between 74 and 95 miles per hour, it's still very much a hurricane, prompting the governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to declare emergencies (and in Alabama's case, the governor to order mandatory coastal evacuations).

Here's a rundown of 2012′s top hurricane tracking apps for those on the go with tablets or smartphones.

Hurricane Tracker (iOS)

My pick of the bunch, EZ Apps' $2.99 Hurricane Tracker offers detailed storm maps, National Hurricane Center info, threat level maps, audio/video forecast updates, real-time feeds and push alerts. It also employs my favorite interface, giving you four simple categories at launch — hurricanes, tropical storms, tropical depressions and invests — to drill on, with a "quick headlines" blurb and "current systems" maps when you scroll down the page. The number of maps (including animated) and images crammed into this app — EZ Apps claims over 65 — is worth the price of admission alone.

Hurricane Hound (Android)

Hurricane Hound uses Google Maps as its framework and tracks both forecasts and the locations of Atlantic and East Pacific hurricanes and tropical storms, points out areas the National Weather Service is keeping tabs on and offers standard NWS "tropical outlooks and discussions, public advisories, forecasts, and satellite imagery." Fair warning: The free version of Hurricane Hound hasn't been updated in over a year, and it looks like the $1.99 add-free version is where developer STKI Concepts is focusing its attention, recently adding support for "current radar and weather satellite overlays."

Hurricane / Hurricane HD (iOS)

Developer Kitty Code's longstanding $2.99 hurricane-watching app (updated in June) offers a repository of global meteorological information, including tracking maps, satellite views, five-day forecasts, radar and bulletins from the National Hurricane Center. Pull up Hurricane Isaac and you can see information about wind speed, storm speed and direction as well as follow it from its genesis off the west coast of Africa in mid-August through its current position several hundred miles southeast of the Mississippi River Delta. Probably the app's most valuable function: using iOS's locational services to determine how far away you are.

If all you need is tracking for the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern and Central Pacific, Kitty Code offers Hurricane Express, a cheaper $0.99 version that eschews the app's global features, and if you're looking for the tablet-optimized version of Hurricane, Kitty Code offers Hurricane HD for $3.99, which adds "exclusive" video and blog updates from HurricaneTrack.com.

Hurricane Software (Android)

When I checked in last, Hurricane Software was a promising beta freebie. It's now out of beta — still free, though ad-littered (there's a $2.99 ad-free "Pro" version) — and packing hurricane data from the National Hurricane Center, high resolution maps, satellite images, warning information and storm tracks.

iHurricane HD (iOS)

iHurricane HD is free with ads, distinguishing itself from the pack by tucking a few features behind an in-app paywall. Out of the gate, you can track hurricanes using satellite and radar data, stage email alerts and gauge your distance from "each coordinate of the storm." But if you want the app's push services, "more space on the main map" and to banish those annoying ads that sit at the top of the screen, you'll have to fork over $2.99 through an in-app purchase option.

Hurricane -- American Red Cross (Android, iOS)

Last but not least, Hurricane -- American Red Cross for both Android or iOS is a newer, totally free addition to Android's growing hurricane-tracking stable, but it's more than just a tracker — this app lets you "monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out." It's a little light on meteorological data, but think of it as the "safety first" tracker, and check out the video below for a few examples of it in action.

6 mobile apps for tracking Hurricane Isaac - CNN.com


Black Blade: If I were to live in a hurricane prone area I would probably get the free American Red Cross version myself.
 
#8 ·
Battened down a few hatches today, and battened em down again, we'll teach those hatches.

Submersible pumps and generators are at the ready.

Mustered a sandbag filling crew before the rain started. Not nearly enough but it was quick and efficient. This is an area that has seen some rough storms and most understand how much can happen in a short amount of time.

Most of the elderly have plans to stay with family till it's over. Some will stay.

At best I'll get alot of rain and wind. At worst, well, I've seen cars and houses float away. I have one truck loaded w/ tools to go to work like normal and one loaded as a bug out vehicle.

I wonder which one I'll need.
 
#11 ·
Battened down a few hatches today, and battened em down again, we'll teach those hatches.

Submersible pumps and generators are at the ready.

Mustered a sandbag filling crew before the rain started. Not nearly enough but it was quick and efficient. This is an area that has seen some rough storms and most understand how much can happen in a short amount of time.

Most of the elderly have plans to stay with family till it's over. Some will stay.

At best I'll get alot of rain and wind. At worst, well, I've seen cars and houses float away. I have one truck loaded w/ tools to go to work like normal and one loaded as a bug out vehicle.

I wonder which one I'll need.
Heather and I are praying for you JT. Any other Gunco folks in the path, please take care, and God be with you.

BB, you're right. I imagine if urban areas are hit hard, then there will be plenty of looting, especially from MUY's. Instead of "help thy neighbor", it's "steal from thy neighbor".
 
#9 ·
Storm sets off frantic rush for supplies across East Coast

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Good luck buying lanterns, generators, propane, or - if you are really unprepared - rain boots and batteries in areas in the path of Hurricane Sandy as it bears down on the U.S. East Coast.

The approach of the gigantic storm, which is expected to come ashore on Monday night set off a weekend scramble for supplies from Virginia to New England, causing long lines at gas stations, bare shelves at hardware and home-supply shops, and a run on bread, bottled water and canned foods.

"It's been crazy. We're the only one open who still has gas," said Karen Tripodi, a customer service representative at Cumberland Farms, a gas station and market in Newington, Connecticut. "They're coming in for propane, ice, water, milk and cigarettes."

Forecasters described the "super storm" as a rare hybrid created by an Arctic jet stream wrapping itself around a tropical storm, possibly dumping up to 12 inches of rain in some areas, as well as heavy snowfall inland.

With big population centers including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore and Boston in the storm's path, city and state officials held a stream of news conferences to announce mass transit shutdowns, school closures and tips for riding out the storm.

Many took the warnings to heart. At a Lowe's store in Bowie, Maryland, the hot-selling items included generators, batteries, sandbags, sand, water, emergency radios, tarps, dry ice, lanterns, plywood, gas cans, propane, rain boots and rain suits.

On its current projected track, Sandy is most likely to make landfall in the New York/New Jersey area and head inland toward Philadelphia, forecasters said. Many of the 50 million people in the storm's path have rushed to prepare.

Authorities expect widespread power outages, and many residents bought generators in case power lines were brought down. Flashlights and batteries also were in demand.

E.J. Shindledecker, the owner of Sharky's restaurant in Dewey Beach, Delaware, said he was puzzled by the number of visitors wandering about on Sunday, when Rehoboth planned to host its popular Sea Witch Festival. It was later canceled.

"I see families with little kids walking up and down the street in front of the restaurant and I'm thinking, 'why are you here?'" said Shindledecker. "I didn't see that much traffic going north and I'm thinking 'You got to get out of here.'"

Full Story: Storm sets off frantic rush for supplies across East Coast - Yahoo! News


Black Blade: People insist on tempting fate. Must be for the adrenaline rush.
 
#10 ·
Come to think of it I suppose it's possible we may see widespread looting in some of the major population centers like we did during Katrina and LA riots. If power is off for any extended period after the storm passes we could see some sharp increases in property and violent crime as law enforcement will be overwhelmed with other considerations like rescue and first responder operations. Then again maybe some states will call up their respective National Guards to patrol the cities.

 
#23 ·
WOW we've come full circle with the "panic propoganda pics"!!! I remember when we had a "caption this photo" contest with the beer looter! Ah good times!

I look through all of these new clips and the pics of (SURPRISE) people needing to buy things that didn't heed the ENDLESS warnings from every news source to go buy stuff. The news channels were having a field day with the "oh no here comes the SUPERSTORM" news bits. It got kind of annoying!

I have to say, I'm not really in a generous mood. These people had P-L-E-N-T-Y of time to stock up on vital supplies. Can't really feel sorry for those people...

Just fill up your gas tank and go to the fricking grocerty store for crying out loud! Go buy some candles and enough supplies to go "camping" in your house with bottled water and baloney and cheese sandwiches from the cooler for a week or two. Maybe even Vienna Sausages if you're feeling adventurous! "DUH" how hard is that, really?
 
#12 ·
Yep, and considering the mass evacuation orders there are whole neighborhoods that are emptied out. The lowlifes are just hiding out waiting for the people to leave and soon as the storm passes there will be mass residential burglaries and looting of businesses. Since electricity will probably be down then it is a free for all as far as burglary and looting is concerned (as in no alarms). Besides, cops will be too busy to chase away criminals.
 
#13 ·
Gangs Plan Hurricane Looting Spree Via Twitter

Infowars.com
October 29, 2012

Scores of Twitter users have flooded the social networking site announcing their plans to go on looting sprees once Hurricane Sandy makes landfall, as the New York National Guard announced it would put troops on duty in Long Island to prevent such activity.



1,175 New York National Guard troops have been mobilized to “provide command and control and logistical support” in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and the Southern Tier. According to NBC New York, the troops will also be on hand to “protect against looting.”

They might well be needed given the fact that a deluge of Twitter users are using the website to appeal to others to join them in exploiting the chaos generated by the superstorm to ransack stores.

Given the recent phenomenon of “flash mob robberies,” where groups of people arrange to burgle a store en masse in order to overwhelm security and staff, the tweets should be taken seriously. Last year police warned that flash mob robberies, organized mainly through Twitter, were on the rise.

Examples of tweets from individuals planning to go on looting sprees include the following;

“Bout to do some looting when this hurricane finally hits….gonna get a new laptop and tv…this hurricane might be the best thing to happen.” (SOURCE)

“If this hurricane gets real bad I’m looting stores ! i always wanted to do that.” (SOURCE)

“I’m gonna go looting once this hurricane hits Utica.” (SOURCE)

“Has #HurricaneSandy made landfall yet? My bitch ass is ready to go looting!” (SOURCE)

“helllll yeah I’m gonna go looting after the storm hits.” (SOURCE)

“Who wants to go looting with me when Sandy hits?! I need some new shit! (SOURCE)

Read more examples below.

» Gangs Plan Hurricane Looting Spree Via Twitter Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!
 
#15 ·
Looters ‘swipe’ up the mess in chaos zones



By REBECCA HARSHBARGER, FRANK ROSARIO and JOSH SAUL Last Updated: 3:46 AM, October 31, 2012 Posted: 12:39 AM, October 31, 2012
James Messerschmidt

SMASH AND GRAB: A woman appears to be making off with "kicks" at Mello Magic Sneakers on Rockaway Beach Boulevard yesterday.

Hurricane Sandy brought out the worst yesterday in some sleazy New Yorkers, who looted stores and homes across the city.

Some posed as Con Ed workers to dupe their victims.

Police arrested more than a dozen looters in the Rockaways and Coney Island, which had been evacuated, and stood guard outside ravaged stores at the South Street Seaport.

“This morning when they told us the water receded, I walked back to the house to feed [my pets],” said Eric Martine, 33, a cabby who lives in Brooklyn’s Gerritsen Beach. “Guys were looting, pretending they were Con Ed and holding people up. It was sick.”

Residents said police warned them to beware of crooks pretending to be utility workers.

Cops fanned out yesterday to deal with looters around the city.

“We will not tolerate these scumbags looting. We will arrest them on sight,” said a police source.

The storm knocked out the plate-glass windows of several Seaport stores, and piggish punks took full advantage of the unguarded merchandise.

“I saw two people walking by the Ann Taylor store and reach in and take some shirts that were just laying right there by the mannequin,” said one man. “It’s really messed up, man. They’re really taking advantage.”

Looters also grabbed gadgets from a nearby Brookstone before cops arrived to stand guard.

In the Rockaways, lowlifes were sneaking into clothing stores and cleaning out pizzerias.

Two men and a woman were arrested for robbing a BP gas station on Beach Channel Drive, three men and one woman were cuffed for pillaging a Radio Shack on Beach 88th Street, and two people were arrested for raiding a clothing store near Beach 86th Street, cops said.

Stores were emptied along a two-block stretch of Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island. Seven people were busted.

“Almost everything is gone,” said store owner Mirza Baig. “We want to reopen but we don’t know how.”

Looters raid stores and homes including some who pose as Con Ed workers to rob their victims in aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in New York City - NYPOST.com


Black Blade: It was inevitable I think. Note that after the tsunami in Japan there wasn't any looting reported. Different cultures though and most prevalent in the US inner cities where an entirely different culture where people of a different mindset live apart from most normal Americans.
 
#16 ·
There's A Mass Exodus Of Manhattanites Heading Uptown In Search Of Food And Cellphone Power

Rob Wile
Oct. 30, 2012, 1:38 PM



Power remains cutoff in lower Manhattan, and no one knows when it will turn back on.

So a mass exodus has begun uptown in search of two things: food, and battery power.

My power in Chelsea went out around 8:30 pm last night.

Luckily, my phone was charged up enough to make it through this morning.

But it started flagging around 10 am.

So I began trudging up First Avenue in search of battery power — and if possible, Wifi.

Along the way, I spotted the one bodega open in the whole area — with a huge line of people waiting to get food:

I soon realized I was being flanked by about a dozen other downtown sojourners.

We eventually came across a Chase bank on Second Avenue, where a kind soul had purchased a an outlet strip he'd plugged into a wall that was powering five phones (and one laptop).

I was able to upload my East Side photos, but there were at least a half-dozen (very anxious) folks waiting in line behind me.

Similar scenes have since been reported elsewhere — here's a snap from the NYT's Brian Stelter:



So I started heading back uptown and noticed there were lines out the door at any restaurant with its doors open.

Here's he line at a Bread Factory on Lexington and 62nd Street:



Rob Wile for Business Insider

The general scene is one of dazed frustration — knowing that Manhattan had it way easier than other places, but still not sure what's supposed to happen next.

Full Story: http://www.businessinside...wn-2012-10#ixzz2AsC3hDDs


Black Blade: Desperation will set in for those unprepared souls as they wait for "help" from the government or whoever.
 
#18 ·
Live Updates - NY/NJ Gas Shortages: Mile-Long Lines, Rationing, Fights, Police Draw Guns

There are very long gas lines - I haven't seen anything like this since the late 1970s (1978 Arab oil Embargo). One lesson I did learn is that as there are long lines for gasoline, there is plenty of diesel available. I have a Honda diesel generator and a diesel GMC Sierra.

If this is what it's like after a couple of days - then just imagine what it will be like after a couple of weeks.

See this link for the big picture: Live Updates - NY/NJ Gas Shortages: Mile-Long Lines, Rationing, Fights, Police Draw Guns

Here are some photos:

















Much Much More at the link: Live Updates - NY/NJ Gas Shortages: Mile-Long Lines, Rationing, Fights, Police Draw Guns
 
#19 ·
Heartbreaking Video: Starving New Yorkers Reduced To Eating from Dumpster In Sandy’s Aftermath

(Thursday, November 1st, 2012)

[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The situation in New York City in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is dire. Some have gone days without power, water or even food as the superstorm brought the nation’s busiest city to a standstill.

Just how bad is it? WNBC actually found New Yorkers dumpster diving behind a Key Food supermarket Thursday, searching for any remnants of food they could find.

WNBC reporter Jonathan Vigliotti said people are “so hungry they literally pried open this dumpster — you see that door open right now — and they are literally picking through for whatever they can take home with themselves.”

“We’ve seen everyone here from the elderly, to families with children, literally up on top of this,” he added.

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


The Yeshiva World Heartbreaking Video: Starving New Yorkers Reduced To Eating from Dumpster In Sandy’s Aftermath Frum Jewish News


Black Blade: And so it begins - the starvation stage and desperate people scavenge for food - even rooting through garbage.
 
#20 ·
‘We Need Food, We Need Clothing’: Staten Island Residents Plead for Help 3 Days After Sand



(John Moore/Getty Images)

Snippit:

The residents of Staten Island are pleading for help from elected officials, begging for gasoline, food and clothing three days after Sandy slammed the New York City borough.

“We’re going to die! We’re going to freeze! We got 90-year-old people!” Donna Solli told visiting officials. “You don’t understand. You gotta get your trucks down here on the corner now. It’s been three days!”

Staten Island was one of the hardest-hit communities in New York City. More than 80,000 residents are still without power. Many are homeless, and at least 19 people died on Staten Island because of the storm.

Continued: ‘We Need Food, We Need Clothing’: Staten Island Residents Plead for Help 3 Days After Sandy - ABC News


Black Blade: There is a sense of Darwinism here where those who prepped are now able to fend of starvation and other discomforts while others look for the government to "help" them. The next few days will get rather "interesting" for a lot of people in thee affected areas.
 
#21 ·
Troopers Deployed To N.J. Gas Stations As Frustration, Massive Lines Form At The Pump

Snippit:

Despite the frustration, drivers appeared to be patient for the most part, although one fight did break out at a gas station in Secaucus, Mercogliano reported.

Officials said more than 80 percent of New Jersey gas stations are unable to sell gas.

Additionally, New Jersey State Police said they have deployed troopers at all gas stations located on the rest stops on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

Continued: Troopers Deployed To N.J. Gas Stations As Frustration, Massive Lines Form At The Pump « CBS New York


Black Blade: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Then again some of us keep a few Jerry cans of fuel on hand.
 
#22 ·
After Isabel, I drove down to Va. to check on a friend.

The N.G. had set up in a wal-mart parking lot giving away free ice. I was told later that the bags were being sold in the adjacent parking lot for $10 each. There was also a shooting at a local gas station over a 5 gal. gas can.
 
#24 ·


It is just as well. If there was a "real" disaster like a massive EMP strike or global famine, or worse. It would be just as well if these people died off. There simply isn't enough carrying capacity for that many people if we go back to a society without modern conveniences like internal combustion engines and petrochemicals. It's better if they remain behind in the cities waiting for the government to "help" them. As no help will be coming they will panic and eventually die. I have no problem with that as I see myself and mine as my number one priority. We all have to look out for ourselves and it will be hard enough without having to look out for others. Thankfully there will not be enough fuel to travel far beyond the cities where many will perish.

Those of us who have prepped and have the necessary skills to live off the grid should do fairly well. Especially so after the major preliminary die off. As most the population dies off the carrying capacity of the land without modern equipment and petrochemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) will probably be just enough for the survivors to live onas this will necessitate real organic farming with lower yields. It will likely be a more healthy diet for the survivors in rural communities after any real SHTF scenario. It will also be necessary for small communities of like-minded people to band together for survival and the common defense against the barbarians who make it out of the cities.

When it comes down to it, the people on the east coast are very fortunate that this hurricane strike was just a minor event. If not then the death toll would be climbing hard and fast after three or four days of no food and water where criminal gangs would work their way about the cities looting, murdering, raping, etc. In a real disaster they may even have to deveop a taste for "long pork" at the end. Meanwhile, many if not most in the rural parts of the country will fare much better when a more serious disaster occurs.

- Black Blade
 
#25 ·
Tempers Flare: Residents Complain Government Is Too Slow Distributing Food and Supplies

Hurricane Sandy made landfall just 36 hours ago and already we’ve received reports of looting in hard-hit areas with some people brazenly taking to Twitter to post pictures of their new found wealth.

Ahead of the storm panic buying left grocery and hardware store shelves empty as concerned residents stocked up on food, water, batteries, flashlights, and generators.

With the run on supplies over the weekend, tens of thousands of people were inevitably left without essential survival items due to shortages across the region, and now they are demanding action from government officials.

Officials in the city of Hoboken, N.J., are defending their response to severe flooding from superstorm Sandy.

Public Safety director Jon Tooke says at least 25 percent of the city on the Hudson River across from Manhattan remains under water. He estimates at least 20,000 people are stranded and says most are being encouraged to shelter in place until floodwaters recede.

Tempers flared Wednesday morning outside City Hall as some residents complained the city was slow to get food and other supplies out to the stranded.

Tooke says emergency personnel have been working 24/7. He says the “scope of this situation is enormous.”

Without any way to heat their homes due to power outages, no food in their pantries and water supplies potentially tainted with polluted flood waters, those who failed to prepare are now at the mercy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s crisis safety net.

But, as FEMA has advised in its emergency preparedness guidelines, despite millions of dollars in supplies having been purchased by the Federal government, if emergency responders and the transportation infrastructure is overwhelmed, help may not be coming for days or weeks.

While damage from Hurricane Sandy may not be as widespread or severe as earlier reports suggested it could be, what should be crystal clear is that any serious long-term emergency would be horrific for the non-prepper.

In New Jersey some 20,000 residents are affected and already there are not enough supplies to go around and sanity is rapidly destabilizing.

The government simply does not have the manpower to deal with an emergency requiring the delivery of food and water to hundreds of thousands of people. The saving grace for the east coast is that the damage was not as bad as it could have been, and residents were made aware of the coming storm days in advance, giving them ample time to stock up or evacuate.

Imagine the effects of an unforeseen, more widespread disaster such as coordinated dirty-bomb terror attacks, a natural disaster requiring permanent mass evacuations of entire cities, destruction of the national power grid, or the collapse of the currency systems necessary for the global exchange of key commodities.

Even those who set aside supplies for such disasters would be hard-pressed to survive; never mind those who have less than three days of food in their pantries.


Author: Mac Slavo
Views:Read by 14,867 people
Date: October 31st, 2012
Website:SHTF Plan - When the Shit Hits The Fan, Don't Say We Didn't Warn You.

For hyperlinked articles: Tempers Flare: Residents Complain Government Is Too Slow Distributing Food and Supplies
 
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