Sparkie..Going to Tx for Rita w/ Red Cross

[sparkie]

***Maybe I shouldn't use this sub-forum cause I am not a moderator???*** Sorry, but wanted you to know:

Just sent this to all in my email book:

Hi,
Red Cross called this am & I leave for Tx to aid w/ Hurrican Rita---cat 5 now. :eek: I will fly out of mi in time to arrive on ground during daylight on friday & beat Rita. Normally my cell would work there but depends on how many towers go down

517.740.7205

I'll be there 2-3 weeks, rtn to Mi & go back to gulf w/ STO-MAC. I have found 6-8 disaster/survival/camping checklist that I used when packing. I tried to prepare as best I can given I am flying and have some luggage/weight restrictions.

If you think of an item I may not of or a survival tip, please call or email me. Ya, hard to know what I might not of thought of. I will have to cart around and secure all items on or near my person so I am limited.

I got all hand tools, small riggin items, bike lock cable, new cell, knifes+, chest high waders, rain suit, masks, lavendar (odor), sunblock, idoine (water purification), first aid, anti-diahrrea yuk, protein bars & other non-perishable foods, whistle, flashlights, prune saw, tarp, cotton sheets, soft side coolers, lot of waterproof containers, foil, glues, tapes & more.

Shots; Hepatitus A & B, Tetanus plus whatever the Army gave me years ago. Will get a "broad-spectrum antibiotic" tomorrow for unknown.

Red Cross said today that this is a total new experience for them We are to be flexible, think on our feet, sortof self-sufficient, etc. Historical disaster.

Sparkie Pam, Michigan Electrician

[NicoMoon]

Hi Sparkie Pam,

You can post in any forum you like!

My survival tip is stay in communication!! Please! Don't lose that cell phone, and make sure you have extra batteries.

As long as you can communicate, we can get the word out if you need anything.

Take good care of yourself, Sparkie Pam!

Nico

[Adrienne]

Wow Sparkie. How exciting! They are urging all volunteers heading down to carry their own first aid kit. Just making sure you have that. They do say DEET is the only protection you should use, that works. Make sure you have plenty. They are also saying to bring a mosquito netting. And do you have text messaging on your cell phone? I hear they get through much more reliably than calls. Maybe the mosquito population isnt as bad in Texas, but just to be sure at least get Deet!

I look forward to hearing from you here on the boards when and as you can. through others, etc. You're a brave one. YOU GO! We're behind you.

[vervilledeb1]

Hi Folks,

Sparkie has already left for Texas. She will be checking in tonight as long as conditions allow. I will be touching base with her daughter for updates also just to make sure she is okay. She called me from Atlanta,GA...and she is excited. As soon as I hear word I will post.

Thanks,
Debby

[vervilledeb1]

Hi Again,

Sparkie is now in Texas. A group of five of them are headed to an Inn.
She is going to keep in close contact as the storm moves in. She says to say hello to everyone at LiveWire.FM. ;)

Thanks,
Debby

[sparkie]

Hi from San Antionio,

Just checking in. Using a nice man's office computer in the Kelly USA Shelter. Kelly USA is the former Kelly Air Force Base, now shutdown and has other uses. It is right next to LAcklan AF Base. Ernie, is in charge of the kitchen/cafeteria and does a great job. He works for a fire/forestry gov't office.

News here: I just heard this shelter is full and they are now sending to another area shelter. Most "residents" here are from Houston, probably from a shelter there and were moved due to Ms. Rita.

Weather wise, it is calm and warm/hot. I noticed no activity in weather related to Hurricane Rita.

Volunteers & staff are all very busy. They are trying very hard, but naturally chaos because teya are overworked---nature of the beast. I worked in cafeteria area yesterday, my first day. I started unloading food needed from a semi-trailer refrigerator at cafeteria locking dock. Found several good guys to team up w/. Sometimes it is more helpful to look around and find your own job. A job that you see the need for & that you can do. Is that the definition of self-starter? Or self-dispatch?

So, I also saw that 2 of the 3 pallet jacks they needed were broke. I rapidly "taught" myself to be a pallet jack repairman. One needs a large short bolt & nut replaced. Another needs hydraulic fluid filled. The third need require some lubing. All I had was a tube of Vaseline lip balm which worked fine. (My tools, etc were still in delayed luggage).

Back to self-starting-----I want to self-dispatch to Lake Charles, Louisana area to cut trees in roadways. Roads need to be cleared so first responders can gain access for victims & damage assessment authorities. Ideally, I want to have a sponsor & be dispatched there. Red Cross doesn't cut trees. I just may have to be creatively "self-assigned". :D I don't know which gov't body is in charge of emergency/disaster road clearing. FEMA?

I need a good, strong tool partner, 2 chainsaws and a truck. I saw a nice, full size Red Cross p/u truck out back. ;) Also ran into 22 young, strong guys from Oregon Forestry dept here. They are eager to go cut trees to clear roads but can NOT go unless officially dispatched. Their chainsaws are packed up in Oregon & ready to be shipped iIF there is a need for them. They told me, "Let us know if you hear anthing about tree cutting cause we want to go". Washington Foresty dept is here also. Umm, wonder were they could cut some trees to save lives. :rolleyes:

Also could use a laptop cause I may not always have a chance to jump on Ernie'a computer. Good tip about mosquito netting. I had not thought op that one. I noticed no mosquitos here.

Red Cross & Avis provided some rental cars for the out-of-town volunteers to use. People are friendly & bond quickly.

OK, better go and find something useful to do here.

I'll write again if I can.

Bye, Sparkie