Has anyone done this
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Has anyone done this
It looks like the hurricane is going to be very bad. My wife and I are discussing loading up our camper and taking both trucks and going to help out with the damage after it hits. Has anyone ever done anything like that?
Steve
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
If there is a lot of damage, they may not let you in the area for a while. The only way maybe is give the officials your business cards and warm them that way if that is how you intend to help. It will be residents only initially when they let them back in.
I think it would be a great idea. Just remember, no power or running water in these places. If you go, good luck and God bless you buddy!
I think it would be a great idea. Just remember, no power or running water in these places. If you go, good luck and God bless you buddy!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Steve, I have helped with clean up from natural disasters, but it is very chaotic directly afterward. Resources can be scarce, power may not be there, potable water is sometimes a problem.
I was actually in Columbia SC this morning and they had all east bound lanes blocked off on I-26 east of exit 115. Like Monty said, it can be difficult just to get into the area for a few days and even when you get there things may not be what you expect.
I am not trying to sway you from helping, but there is a period of time where first responders and professionals need to be there first to see if the area is safe for the public and help to return.
I was actually in Columbia SC this morning and they had all east bound lanes blocked off on I-26 east of exit 115. Like Monty said, it can be difficult just to get into the area for a few days and even when you get there things may not be what you expect.
I am not trying to sway you from helping, but there is a period of time where first responders and professionals need to be there first to see if the area is safe for the public and help to return.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Our Red Cross is already taking volunteers and some are already in place. We have two generators and have some large containers for fresh water. We would also take both our shot guns and a couple of hand guns. Will just have to see how this plays out. I figure a chain saw might be good and now we are just thinking it over.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Jul 2015
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From: very South Texas
work within the Red Cross.. help where its wanted... protect yourself and family.
I worked with the Red Cross years ago... Niles/Newton Falls Ohio tornado.
being an Amateur Radio operator. with portable radio equipment.. first 3 days I rode in police cars.. as police and fire radios and phones were destroyed. then clean-up... Looters were the biggest issues.
wife and Mother helped with food to Red Cross workers... 5 days.
I worked with the Red Cross years ago... Niles/Newton Falls Ohio tornado.
being an Amateur Radio operator. with portable radio equipment.. first 3 days I rode in police cars.. as police and fire radios and phones were destroyed. then clean-up... Looters were the biggest issues.
wife and Mother helped with food to Red Cross workers... 5 days.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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If you do go...
Definitely yes on the chainsaw + spare parts (at least 3 chains, if you know how to sharpen a chainsaw chain that may be helpful but changing a chain out is a lot quicker). Don't forget a jug of bar oil, 2 cycle oil, eye protection, and preferably chaps if you end up doing a lot of cutting.
If you can stock up on some gas (spare cans/tanks) before you arrive that would be best as it may not be available there. Just know that could be a "hot" commodity. Same thought for lots of water...
Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your vehicles to get in and get out with some local travel mixed in. For your dually - if you have a couple spare diesel cans top those off too. Not sure what your other truck is -gas/diesel. Plan accordingly.
As far as food and water go - it may be best to have what you two need. If you are volunteering with the Red Cross let that organization be the "good guys" with handouts to the public. As hard as it may be to resist privately giving stuff out it will keep you less of a "target".
Stay safe.
Definitely yes on the chainsaw + spare parts (at least 3 chains, if you know how to sharpen a chainsaw chain that may be helpful but changing a chain out is a lot quicker). Don't forget a jug of bar oil, 2 cycle oil, eye protection, and preferably chaps if you end up doing a lot of cutting.
If you can stock up on some gas (spare cans/tanks) before you arrive that would be best as it may not be available there. Just know that could be a "hot" commodity. Same thought for lots of water...
Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your vehicles to get in and get out with some local travel mixed in. For your dually - if you have a couple spare diesel cans top those off too. Not sure what your other truck is -gas/diesel. Plan accordingly.
As far as food and water go - it may be best to have what you two need. If you are volunteering with the Red Cross let that organization be the "good guys" with handouts to the public. As hard as it may be to resist privately giving stuff out it will keep you less of a "target".
Stay safe.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Lakeland, Fl
I went down to Miami after Andrew to help out a museum. Before I left they offered me a job and I took them up on it as they were moving up to central fl. Goodbye TN hello FL.
I would advise against going in blind, find a need and coordinate with them. This storm is not living up to the media hype, those of us living here could see that coming.
I would advise against going in blind, find a need and coordinate with them. This storm is not living up to the media hype, those of us living here could see that coming.
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Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
We never intended to just drive down and say here we are and had already checked with the local Red Cross. I am getting tired of media hype about storms. It seems like all the newscasters go nuts. I am looking at the forecast right now as the predicted winds are less than we sat through in our RV last winter and much less than I have been out in previously. Maybe they just missed the forecast, maybe the weather folks are trying to be rock stars fora day. I don't know.
My wife's father is in central Florida and he is on the phone now saying not much of a storm in comparison to what was forecast.
Steve
My wife's father is in central Florida and he is on the phone now saying not much of a storm in comparison to what was forecast.
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
We never intended to just drive down and say here we are and had already checked with the local Red Cross. I am getting tired of media hype about storms. It seems like all the newscasters go nuts. I am looking at the forecast right now as the predicted winds are less than we sat through in our RV last winter and much less than I have been out in previously. Maybe they just missed the forecast, maybe the weather folks are trying to be rock stars fora day. I don't know.
My wife's father is in central Florida and he is on the phone now saying not much of a storm in comparison to what was forecast.
Steve
My wife's father is in central Florida and he is on the phone now saying not much of a storm in comparison to what was forecast.
Steve
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,576
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You know what they say.. that is the only job you can be wrong 50% of the time and still get paid.
Joking aside, though, the storm path so far has been right along what the models predicted. I would agree the intensity of the storm isn't what the media hype was lifting things to.
Joking aside, though, the storm path so far has been right along what the models predicted. I would agree the intensity of the storm isn't what the media hype was lifting things to.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
In S. Ca. Al they have to do is say hot 8 months out of the year and they get a raise.