Hurricane Check In

[Bonnie and Kona]

Okay, East Coasters.... when you can please check in with us. I'm up in the middle of the night on the west coast, watching the news and wondering how all of you are doing! 

[Carol and Banjo]

Diana,  I would recommend hiring an electrician to install a generator that would kick in automatically when the power is lost.     We have to take a number of steps to start ours up....and honestly I don't even know how to do it.   That's on my list.   ; -)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree Carol, ours is like yours and I don't think I could even get it up and running myself. My neighbors have theirs hardwired into their electrical system so all they have to do is flip a switch or two and they are good to go. It's definitely the way to go! Sounds like we have the same list!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't have to flip anything. Just listen and wait about 30 seconds for it to kick in.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Even better!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Mine is a permanent  back up generator which goes on automatically when the power goes out. It can be converted to run on propane. All I have to do is check the oil if it runs over 100-150 hours. I haven't done it yet but it's similar to adding oil to a car or ride on mower. Once a week the generator "exercises" itself, by running for 15 minutes. You do need to have it professionally installed and it is very expensive. It does not power the whole house but it does what I need.

If you have a portable generator you need to schlep it out, connect things to it, get fuel. Several people have died already of carbon monoxide poisoning, from having generators too close, or even in their house.  To me the kind I have was the only way to go was with the kind I have. Although I am younger than your folks, I am getting older and this make me secure and is something I can handle.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

It sounds like a really nice set up F.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Glad to hear you're well prepared and it's wonderful that you're able to share. I'm sure your neighbors are very appreciative. Thanks also for sharing the information. I'm not so well prepared but think it's time to consider this type of back up. I don't have access to natural gas though unless we drill for it :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Drilling would be a great idea. If you found some you could afford a gigantic generator and then some. But this unit can be converted for propane.

[Pat and Traveler]

F, you were so smart to get that generator!  Hope you'll have enough of everything to last until services are restored.  Are you getting mail?   

What a great and sharing neighbor you are!  I can just imagine how awful it must be to have no electricity, heat or water.  Ugh!  I'm guessing you have enough dog food, for at least a few more days. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Thinking of those in peril constantly...please stay warm and safe. Let us know of any updates. It's hard for all of us to imagine but it is wet and dank here and no fun for the doodles either if that helps, you know, misery like company kind of thing.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Well here I sit at the chinese restaurant (Morristown, NJ)- that is kind enough to let me use their electricity and the next doors donkin donuts free internet.  I was able to get some work done.  This morning my wife waited on line for gas and now is waiting in another line so our daughter can go visit a friend @ UMass.

No electricty @ home, fortunately we have a gas fireplace that we can use for heat.

Hopefully electricity in the next few days.

[Kami Allen]

This storm was bad.  I live in Oregon but my business is sellling Airmovers to dry out carpets and housing structures from the storm.  I have sent a TON of product to NJ, NY, and all across the East.  Hope everyone in Doodle land has been able to stay dry!

Kami