Fran: The view from Elvegast

[Tom Brady <tbrady@nando.net>]

Poster: Tom Brady <tbrady@nando.net>

..and the view is pretty dismal, I'd say. I'm still without power, and 
from what Duke Power says, it will be on sometime within the next hour 
and next Friday. I am fortunate, though - living in the city, I still 
ahve water (and it's drinkable, too! An added bonus) The good news is 
that I have yet to hear of any SCAdians who have experienced any *real*
trouble. The bad news is that in spite of incessant warnings to stay off 
of the roads, many, many cars are out there, and none of the drivers know 
how to properly negotiate an intersection where the traffic light is out 
(which is to say about 75% of the traffic lights in the Raleigh-Durham 
area). (Special secret tip: Treat it like a four-way stop!)

The worst of the damage came not from flooding (although Crabtree Valley 
Swamp/Mall is still a mess, I hear), but from downed trees. Damage ranges 
from mild in some parts of Durham to severe in parts of Raleigh. The 
power lines near my parents' house in Raleigh have been torn up so badly 
by fallen tress that they resembled Silly String more than electrical 
wires.

Many places will try to return to business as usual Monday (including my 
employer), but it will be several weeks before life really returns to 
normal. In the meantime, here are Duncan's suggestions for preparations 
for the NEXT hurricane:
- Coleman stoves are good for more than just cooking at events! (I'm 
shopping for a gas grill next week)
- Batteries. Lots of batteries. You can't buy a "D" cell battery within 
50 miles.
- If you rely on electricity for water, fill all bathtubs, sinks, 
buckets, whatever.
- Have plenty of nonperishable food on hand (Shoot, Pop Tarts will last a 
few years in storage, won't they?)
- Mechanical alarm clocks are your friend. Keep one tucked away for times 
like these.

Regards,
Duncan
who is writing this from work, where he was able to take a *hot*shower*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Brady         tbrady@nando.net     SCA: Duncan MacKinnon of Tobermory
 See my web pages for links to the Society for Creative Anachronism and 
      gay and lesbian info: http://www.technomancer.com/~duncan/

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