To those of you in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, and parts of Illinois that were affected by the Ice Storm, do you have any special stories to tell about it; any acts of kindness/heroism;
and how did you manage to stay warm and fed? Any good tips for the next time around? CJ
2007-12-12 15:49:29 · 6 answers · asked by CJ 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Thanks to the ice storm, we've learned a little, and had a little fun as well. The night before the ice fell and the power went out we heated the house up good and all took a hot shower. Then we let the water heater fill up again. We bought candles, batteries, lamp oil and water.
That night the power went out, but we were comfortable through the next day thanks to the house being so well heated and insulated.
But the next day the temperature rapidly dropped with no way to heat the house back up. We all slept fully clothed, in sleeping bags and were still pretty cold! All day long it was hard to stay warm. Everything in our house is run by electricity, including the propane furnace.
The kerosene lamps provided adequate light and we found fun ways to occupy the time - games by candlelight, read-a-loud books, telling stories and playing guitar. We all went to bed earlier....and got up earlier, too - just like the "old days" I guess.
We were able to save some of what was in our freezer and fridge because it was so cold outside. Natural food storage! We ate our meals at my parents house because they were able to cook on the top burners of their gas stove.
So....we can chalk it up to an adventure of sorts. Frustrating at times, certainly, but also a few quiet days that sent us back to a simpler time. No email and phone calls to harass us all day long. No loud music and blaring TV's.
Just 3 peaceful dark nights with nothing but stars to illuminate and amaze us.
What did we learn?
1. That we can do without a lot of the technology we've come to depend on, and that is quite often very wasteful. We are buying a cast iron wood stove so next time we'll be prepared. Wood is free for the chopping and the stove provides heating and cooking capabilities.
2. That early to bed and early to rise really IS a common sense policy!
3. That simple pleasures are often the most rewarding
4. That neighbors are one MILLION times better than the government in providing support, compassion and care.
5. That the electrical crews are dedicated and professional and responded immediately to the call.
God bless you all this Christmas!
2007-12-14 11:49:20 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Missouri, we are a tough bunch and work together with each other. Our main problem is the people who live in rural areas. They get their power on last and that is a wait of up to 2-3 weeks. We have Electric Coops here and it is great. They are out everywhere helping in all the other areas. Last year we had people from several other states come in to help us get the power back. It is the same this time. We are very appreciative too. Thank you to all of you who send your workers our way. Thank you very much. Everything is really appreciated.
2007-12-12 18:01:04 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am from Oklahoma, our power still goes out from time to time even yet. The limbs are still coming down out of the trees, so it is not safe to be out there yet trying to get anything cleaned up. We have trees and limbs all over our yard right now.
Mom and dads house has a tiny gas heater in it and that is how they stayed a little warmer than most. I live in a tiny 8 X 30 travel trailer, I kept the door shut as much as I could until I couldn't stand it any longer in here. Then I put on my snow suit to keep warmer. I even slept in it a couple of nights to stay warm. I even had a heavy blanket on my bed and would even cover my head up with the blanket to let my breath put heat in my bed. During the day, I would go over to my parents house a few times a day and stay for 20 minutes or so at a time to get warmed up a little. I had sandwiches to eat.
I think the worst is over for now, that is until the sleet and the snow hits here this weekend. We did have sleet and snow flurries today, but not bad. It is still very cold here where I am at.
The electric companies have worked so hard to not only get the power back on for some of us but also to keep it on as well. There are still many folks with out power even now. Ours still goes off and on through out the day and at night too. The power companies are still hard at it trying to get every bodies power on.
God Bless them for all they are doing for all of us!!!!!!!!!!
2007-12-12 16:14:39 · answer #3 · answered by SapphireB 6 · 7⤊ 1⤋
In my own case..
my mother is 86 ..and she is actually doing better via the ice storm than normal.
Why;
Her bed is a bit soft, and for days, she has had to sleep on couchs til tonight...
Point: Couchs are firm (so far) .... therefore she has been sleeping better.
2007-12-13 10:26:46 · answer #4 · answered by pcreamer2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 10 miles from road closings to Tulsa and offered to house people!! I had my son and my nephew!!! We only lost power from time to time!!!! The next one this week-end is going to get us though!!! My bro-n-law was in a rodeo in Las Vegas and he and my sis were stranded in Las Vegas so I was the cowgirl for a week!!! Chopped ice fed and hayed!!
2007-12-13 00:58:13 · answer #5 · answered by ndnquah 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
good to hear you are okay and your parnets are well also.....
2007-12-12 17:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by abuelamah 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋