Florence

[jhenderson]

Do what you thinks best. I simply decided to crimp off the teat that feeds dependency in those of little character. When wiser folks like you figure out a way to serve those truly in distress and kick the rest to the curb I’ll gladly return to some form of public service.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

When wiser folks like you figure out a way to serve those truly in distress and kick the rest to the curb I’ll gladly return to some form of public service.

In a time of crisis is there even time to figure that out? This isn't black & white (and I don't mean race)... there's a huge gray area.

 

[jhenderson]

In a time of crisis is there even time to figure that out? This isn't black & white (and I don't mean race)... there's a huge gray area.

There’s no “ grey area” when a storm is forecast days out and you’ve been told to evacuate . I pay for my own stupidity every day. They can pay for theirs. I’ve never minded helping anyone who’s trying to help themselves, but I’m no longer lifting a finger to help someone who refuses to take control or responsibility for their own actions or lack there of.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

There’s no “ grey area” when a storm is forecast days out and you’ve been told to evacuate .

My point was how do you determine that in the heat of the moment? If people are in peril and you've got the badge how do you tell the difference?

 

[jhenderson]

Tell the difference? I have no idea what you’re thinking. Anybody in an evacuation zone should be left to their own devices. You remain in an area that’s been under an evacuation notice, putting yourself in danger. Then you expect someone else to risk their necks to save yours. Not to mention pulling men and equipment away from possible legitimate emergencies. No grey area. Their decision to stay. Their lives are their own responsibility.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I get that for the ones that won't leave but what about the ones that can't? Or are you saying everyone should be gone?

 

[jhenderson]

There’s no such thing as can’t. Just won’t. There’s plenty of social and emergency services available prior to the storms arrival to aid anyone who is physically or mentally unable to help themselves. Under these circumstances, no questions asked.

 

[Mark31]

It has rained axle deep on a ferris wheel here in ne SC and the rain bands keep on coming. All the little tree frogs except for one retard have quit calling for rain. Some prognosticator says 3-5 more inches. We had 20" with Matthew and it would not surprise me if we didn't easily pass that.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

There’s no such thing as can’t. Just won’t. There’s plenty of social and emergency services available prior to the storms arrival to aid anyone who is physically or mentally unable to help themselves. Under these circumstances, no questions asked.

If someone is physically or mentally unable to help themselves, then it stands to reason they might not able to make those arrangements, unless they're in a facility where others are caring for them. There's always going to be some hard-luck cases.

I totally agree with the fact that if you choose to stay you're on your own. My point was how, in the time of crisis, does anyone ferret out the legitimate cases from those that should have known better?

 

[jhenderson]

If someone is physically or mentally unable to help themselves, then it stands to reason they might not able to make those arrangements, unless they're in a facility where others are caring for them. There's always going to be some hard-luck cases.

I totally agree with the fact that if you choose to stay you're on your own. My point was how, in the time of crisis, does anyone ferret out the legitimate cases from those that should have known better?

You’re years too late with that crap. These days every community knows where the incapable reside. There’s so much fed money being dumped on fema and EMA preparedness nobody goes untouched. Next, today the incapable have state and local social services on speed dial. That’s before the squad cars go door to door. Time to stop making excuses. People can make enough on their own. They don’t need your help.

Ps. Which of those people we all saw on the wall to wall tv coverage saying they were staying, or the ones looking for help after refusing to leave , appeared even slightly incapable of leaving in the first place?

 

[jgillott]

You’re years too late with that crap. These days every community knows where the incapable reside. There’s so much fed money being dumped on fema and EMA preparedness nobody goes untouched. Next, today the incapable have state and local social services on speed dial. That’s before the squad cars go door to door. Time to stop making excuses. People can make enough on their own. They don’t need your help.

Ps. Which of those people we all saw on the wall to wall tv coverage saying they were staying, or the ones looking for help after refusing to leave , appeared even slightly incapable of leaving in the first place?

Where exactly are you getting this information? There is not one single EMA director that I know of, and I know a lot of them, that has access to this data. It simply doesn't exist in any form. I highly recommend that you do some fact checking before you continue to post such statements. Sorry, but they are simply inaccurate.

 

[fest3er]

My niece and her husband stayed in their house in Houston with their newborn for quite some time. They kept redirecting people in boats to neighbors they knew needed help to get out (elderly, infirm, lower ground, etc.) When they figured that most people who *needed* to be rescued were, then they chose to leave on a boat.

I agree that no 'agency' will know where everyone who 'cannot rescue himself' lives. There are also likely few 'communities' left where everyone who needs to be 'rescued' is known. People move around too much and people (both established residents and newcomers) are often 'too busy' to get to know the people around them. Or don't want to know them.

The first reports were that we were going to get 10-12" of rain here. Had that happened, I likely would've ended up with 6-7 feet of water in the cave. At which point I would've simply climbed in my truck and left for parts unknown because my truck and meagre bank account would be all I have left. But I looked at the surface conditions and the jet streams and decided the storm was going to lose most of its energy when it hit land and give us a miss here. Evacuation order wouldn't made any difference; I've nowhere to go other than driving my truck somewhere, parking it and sleeping in it. And I know I'm not the only independent-minded person in this land. (There are people in this general vicinity who have neither electricity nor indoor plumbing and use an outhouse.)

 

[jhenderson]

Where exactly are you getting this information? There is not one single EMA director that I know of, and I know a lot of them, that has access to this data. It simply doesn't exist in any form. I highly recommend that you do some fact checking before you continue to post such statements. Sorry, but they are simply inaccurate.

On top of 25 years of VFD I spent the worst 2 years of my life as Public Works Director of my town in the mid 90s. The EMA director, as well as local utilities, have programs that identify at risk citizens and / or customers in case of power outages for priority repair or shelter. Our FD 911 records reflect that info . In addition window stickers are available to identify a residence that houses any person(s) that requires special assistance. All a resident needs to do is make ONE CALL and they’re on the list. There is no excuse for calling for help AFTER the storm hits if you live in an evacuation area. Show me the inaccuracy of my statements.
Go ahead, tell me how one call is beyond the ability of someone in need. The more straws you people grasp at the easier it is to refute your claims.

 

[jgillott]

Show me the inaccuracy of my statements.

HIPPA privacy act prevents health care/disability information to be shared without permission. You simply cannot compile that data without permission from the individual. So, if that One Call that you claim Everyone with a need should make, isn't placed to voluntarily offer that information, you will never gather the data. And, I'm sorry to tell you, not everyone is capable of making that call. It just isn't reality.

I truly feel bad for you at this point. You have yourself so twisted up trying to lay blame, you're missing the reality of big picture. Rescues will always need to happen in a natural disaster, public servants will always put their life on the line for those in need regardless of blame in the events, and no one with any moral compass will deny services to someone that "should have known better".

I still wish you the best of days today! I hope that you can find some level of peace with this situation.

 

[TConver]

I am in Durham, for us it was just rain but we are over 10in and had 5" alone since midnight. Looks like it might be finally done with us though.

 

[Tuesdak]

And you guys have attempted to leave town on a Major Holiday Weekend...

I know full well if the local nuke power plant melts down there is no way we are getting out of Phoenix. Some wreck will happen somewhere and they simply can't figure out how to get the mess off the road and the road opened back up. They got to catalog every nut and bolt from the wreck. It will be backed up for miles and 1/2 the day. The only good I will say about CA is they get the mess off the road 1st. Even without a wreck the traffic is a parking lot on a Major Holiday Weekend.

Running out of fuel, yes, even the gas stations run out. Say on any Sunday evening going back to CA from Las Vegas. And then the unexpected breakdowns...

Maybe they are doing better at reversing the lanes and the like for an evacuation, but, from Major Holiday Weekend traffic I wish those luck in getting out. ​

 

[GCroyle]

Getting back to the impact of Hurricane Florence.

Our daughter and family hubby and 2 kids evacuated from their place near Dillon SC which flooded pretty bad. It's just a few exits S of the NC SC border off of I-95. They weathered the storm with us.

They pay their bills and both have jobs so the threat of damage to their pride and joy place in the pines was a big pit in the stomach for the last few days. For about two days, no report avail on damage. First report says some roof damage, further details TBD.

They are like tens of thousands of others who took a hit and still don't know the rest of their story.

We got 10" of rain for the storm but somehow the power stayed on.

Gary

 

[BIGNASTY]

Just to make some of you that care aware, Gail's on his way down to SC to assist in getting you folks some gas stations going. He did this sort of thing when he worked in California on their Disaster relief projects, he's STILL!! just as excited now as he was then about helping people get back to a normal life.

Penny

 

[Mark31]

Gary, I'm 17 miles south east of Dillon on 57/41 3 miles from Mullins. Hwy 9 south of main street Dillon will flood with not much more than a heavy dew! I think 20 inches rain here, wind wasn't near as bad as feared, current back on a couple of hrs ago. Honda EU2000 only took lunch breaks since Thursday! Our Pee Dee Baptist Assn (843-774-8062) disaster relief team is a chain saw unit, but also can tarp a roof. Ron Taylor, the director of ministries, will be doing assessments and the team will be called out shortly. Call if they need help. My wife is not doing well, so my participation will be limited. What area/community are they in?

 

[GCroyle]

Mark31,

A bit W of I-95 exit 181. We'll have firsthand report this evening, some roof damage. As you can imagine a lot of partial info was flying around. Good to hear and highly expected that local communities have roll up the sleeves and help thy neighbor attitudes. Details later tonight.

Didn't hear of downed trees, yet.

Today was better than yesterday.

Gary