What good is opening up shelters if people aren't going to use them. They are for all who need them, not just those that lost their homes.
A Mickeyfan said:Yes, they can go to the shelters that are opened up for them. They don't have to be proud and not go. You have to something to help yourself a little. If there is a shelter, go to it. What would be a logical reason for not going? There are even shelters that take your pets now. Years ago they didn't do that. I am not being heartless by saying that, I am stating the the only thing for them to do. Do you think it was easy being in 90-100 degree heat for nearly 3 weeks without AC, all day. Our homes here in FL are made with concrete block and hold the head "in". They are like ovens when no air is running. Without heat up north is like without AC down south, same thing. We couldn't very well open window when it rained during the day either, that was even worse. No AC, and no open windowsnot a pretty site. Some of the elderly did have to go to shelters for their health just for the fact they had AC. Which is what you guys up north are going to have to do for the heat. You need to stay warm, you go to the shelter...
but that was better than getting dizzy from the heat in the house
I am never moving. First hard frost all our bugs die... I love that first hard frost!! 
Bugs chew through metal screens in the south?
That says it in a nutshell! We aren't in a competition here with who has it the "worse". We are, as you stated, trying to let everyone know it does take time we have been there and we are speaking from experience. It is a horrible situation be it hot or cold. It is one no one wants to be in.Not necessarily. I am a nurse and was working in the ER during and after Katrina. My state was one of the hardest hit. People can and do die from heat exposure. The elderly, very young, and chronically sick are all at risk. Unfortunately, lack of water and excessive heat did cause heat stroke in some elderly people in my area. We had no air conditioning in our hospital for weeks and our ER was not well ventilated with outside air. I saw several young, healthy nurses suffer heat exhaustion during this very difficult time.
My point is that heat and cold are both dangerous. I think that those from the south who have been though our share of these terrible storms are trying to be as supportive as we can. Unfortunately, the power takes time to come back on and it is frustrating. My in laws had no power for 2 months so I know how frustrating it can be. We were 3 weeks. And on a personal level, my sister was in New Orleans during Katrina, lost everything, moved to Hoboken to work in NYC, has no power, a flooded apartment, a flooded car, and is 36 weeks pregnant. So trust me, I am sympathetic.
My advice for people without power is to go to a shelter, friends, or family if possible (I know car travel is tough with the gas shortage, and I really understand this one). If you can't go somewhere with utilities, try to stay in the warmest room possible with all family members, lots of blankets, and stay close together for body heat. I am keeping all those affected in my prayers and hoping that power is restored ASAP. Stay safe everyone.
hugs to your sister & her family. She is very lucky she didn't go into labor during the storm!
Not necessarily. I am a nurse and was working in the ER during and after Katrina. My state was one of the hardest hit. People can and do die from heat exposure. The elderly, very young, and chronically sick are all at risk. Unfortunately, lack of water and excessive heat did cause heat stroke in some elderly people in my area. We had no air conditioning in our hospital for weeks and our ER was not well ventilated with outside air. I saw several young, healthy nurses suffer heat exhaustion during this very difficult time.
My point is that heat and cold are both dangerous. I think that those from the south who have been though our share of these terrible storms are trying to be as supportive as we can. Unfortunately, the power takes time to come back on and it is frustrating. My in laws had no power for 2 months so I know how frustrating it can be. We were 3 weeks. And on a personal level, my sister was in New Orleans during Katrina, lost everything, moved to Hoboken to work in NYC, has no power, a flooded apartment, a flooded car, and is 36 weeks pregnant. So trust me, I am sympathetic.
My advice for people without power is to go to a shelter, friends, or family if possible (I know car travel is tough with the gas shortage, and I really understand this one). If you can't go somewhere with utilities, try to stay in the warmest room possible with all family members, lots of blankets, and stay close together for body heat. I am keeping all those affected in my prayers and hoping that power is restored ASAP. Stay safe everyone.
That says it in a nutshell! We aren't in a competition here with who has it the "worse". We are, as you stated, trying to let everyone know it does take time we have been there and we are speaking from experience. It is a horrible situation be it hot or cold. It is one no one wants to be in.
