Thank you Disney !

[captain america 2003]

we in the Tri-state area appreciate your generous donation to the relief fund . However , we need much more help here especially in NY and NJ .
I'm not sure what information is being reported nationally or internationally but there are a lot of people here without power , food or water , shelter , and clean clothes . Many parts of LI , Staten Island , Coney Island , the Rockaways (in Queens) are not getting sufficient help from FEMA or the Red Cross ! NJ towns , especially along the shore are also still not getting the help they need . In addition gas is scarce because many stations are not able to open because they still have no power and the lines to buy gas are stretching for miles in many places . This is going to wind up becoming an explosive situation with patience running short and tempers reaching their breaking point .
PLEASE ,WHATEVER HELP YOU CAN GIVE US THROUGH THE RED CROSS ,SALVATION ARMY , YOUR CHURCH , THROUGH TONIGHTS CONCERT ON NBC , ANY WAY YOU CAN PLEASE HELP
MONEY , FOOD , CLOTHES , WATER , ANYTHING YOU CAN
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS

 

[map57]

We are definately praying for you there and will be making donations to several different things to help any way we can. I was saddened to hear that OUR utility workers made a trip up there to help out, but were turned away because they were not union workers. Hopefully at some point those in power will make exceptions to those that are trying to help out those in need.

God Bless,

map57

 

[captain america 2003]

your help is greatly appreciated ! It's unfortunate that we didn't learn enough after Hurricane Katrina so that many of the same mistakes would not be repeated but unfortunately it seems they have .

 

[disneyfanlincoln]

Sorry that I can't help practically, I'm in the uk, what I can say is your plight has been reported on the news over here and Im thinking and praying for you.

 

[LaurieN]

we in the Tri-state area appreciate your generous donation to the relief fund . However , we need much more help here especially in NY and NJ .
I'm not sure what information is being reported nationally or internationally but there are a lot of people here without power , food or water , shelter , and clean clothes . Many parts of LI , Staten Island , Coney Island , the Rockaways (in Queens) are not getting sufficient help from FEMA or the Red Cross ! NJ towns , especially along the shore are also still not getting the help they need . In addition gas is scarce because many stations are not able to open because they still have no power and the lines to buy gas are stretching for miles in many places . This is going to wind up becoming an explosive situation with patience running short and tempers reaching their breaking point .
PLEASE ,WHATEVER HELP YOU CAN GIVE US THROUGH THE RED CROSS ,SALVATION ARMY , YOUR CHURCH , THROUGH TONIGHTS CONCERT ON NBC , ANY WAY YOU CAN PLEASE HELP
MONEY , FOOD , CLOTHES , WATER , ANYTHING YOU CAN
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS

Very well said!!! I'm here in NJ powerless but safe with my home in 1 piece!!! I'm am beyond heartbroken over what is happening in our area, I have friends and family who have lost everything they own, it is simply unthinkable what has happened;( with no TV or Internet and limited cel service it's hard to even know what is going on here! Please keep all who are suffering in your thoughts and prayers and give in any way you can!!! I remember how devastated I felt watching the news if Katrina, I can't believe we are in a somewhat similar situation!
Thank you and God Bless!!
Laurie

 

[WDSearcher]

your help is greatly appreciated ! It's unfortunate that we didn't learn enough after Hurricane Katrina so that many of the same mistakes would not be repeated but unfortunately it seems they have .

Every storm is different and every relief effort presents its own unique challenges. Remember that just because you don't see people doesn't mean work isn't being done and help isn't being mobilized. If every disaster required the exact same response, it'd be simple. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

I know it's hard to hear "have patience," but it's something to remember. After Hurricane Floyd, we didn't have power for over a week and a half. We saw crews working every day and thought they'd never get to us. We took showers at work, shared supplies, had block parties to BBQ all of the food thawing in our freezers, and got through it. You will too!

As for patience running short and people reaching a boiling point, take a cue from the Japanese response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami there. Neighbors helped neighbors, people only bought from stores what they needed and left supplies for others, anyone who had transportation or power shared it, there was no looting, no fighting, no violence, no tempers. And their situation was certainly as bad as the aftermath of Sandy. It's up to all of us to police ourselves and stay human in the face of disaster.

Have already made my $$ donations, which my company has matched at 100%!

 

[goofy4tink]

We keep you all in our prayers. It has to be so miserable to live that way. I know that we have sent workers from Mass to help out!!!
While I understand that it's hard to be patient, it has to be that way. There are only so many workers that can be out there. It would be wonderful if every person could be helped, and helped now. But sadly, that isn't the case. Many of us have sent along donations...we do all we can. I know that churches here have started collection boxes for clothing and the like.

I do remember when a hurricane hit my dad's area of Florida several years ago. He's in Pompano Beach, right on the Atlantic, where the storm hit the worst. It was amazing to see how long it took to get power restored and the roads open again!!! It always amazes me to see how long it takes.
Hang on....we're all out here, sending what we can and praying for you all as well.

 

[lynypixie]

Hydro-Québec (governement based electricity compagny) has sent 25 teams to help you guys.

And I agree that it'S fustrating but needs patience. I lived a natural disaster in 98 called the ice storm. I lost power for 9 days, and I was lucky. My best friend lost power for 6 whole weeks. We were in January, so it was very cold. It's not because they didn't want to help, but because whole structures were crashed. You don't rebult an electricity line in one day.

Even those who lost power for weeks here agreed that the governement did a fabulous job. There is just so much you can do in 24 hours. They are doing what they can, but they need to work with a lot of complex issues here.

My heart is still with all of you. Natural disasters sucks.

 

[Cyrano]

Thoughts for everyone involved.

Going to move this over to Community board so that it gets greater exposure .

 

[mommyjam]

Please dont bash the FEMA teams. My husband is on Ohio's team and he left Monday afternoon. These men work their butts off and if there are any delays it is due to higher up in the government than them. I understand you are frustrated but please dont blame them. They are doing the best they can.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Rumor has it that now that all of NH has finally had power restored (as of this afternoon) from Sandy, our crews, and the crews that came to help us are headed your way. It was also on the news that a crew of Red Cross volunteers left yesterday.
This was a huge storm. And it impacted the entire East coast. There are a LOT of people in a lot of states that need assistance after the storm. It takes a LOT of time to organize the resources for a disaster of this magnitude.

 

[scrapquitler]

Hydro-Québec (governement based electricity compagny) has sent 25 teams to help you guys.

And I agree that it'S fustrating but needs patience. I lived a natural disaster in 98 called the ice storm. I lost power for 9 days, and I was lucky. My best friend lost power for 6 whole weeks. We were in January, so it was very cold. It's not because they didn't want to help, but because whole structures were crashed. You don't rebult an electricity line in one day.

Even those who lost power for weeks here agreed that the governement did a fabulous job. There is just so much you can do in 24 hours. They are doing what they can, but they need to work with a lot of complex issues here.

My heart is still with all of you. Natural disasters sucks.

I saw 6 trucks from Hydro Quebec today in my town in central CT...they were gassing up their trucks, and DD and I figured they must be heading south of us (our town is not currently in need of outside assistance, thankfully).

OP, I was in Vermont at our cabin during Irene, in one of the towns hardest hit. The recovery there is still nowhere near complete, but it is progressing. I can tell you that FEMA and The Red Cross are not perfect, but they are trying. One thing I learned is this: The real recovery and progress isn't going to come from outside, the real healing and regrowth comes from within the community when everyone helps one another...in that little Vermont town, it was amazing to see how people pulled together and helped one another during the crisis. I think that in spite of the problems and the looting in NY, NJ and elsewhere, people in those communities are going to see the same thing happen.

 

[Southernmiss]

Please dont bash the FEMA teams. My husband is on Ohio's team and he left Monday afternoon. These men work their butts off and if there are any delays it is due to higher up in the government than them. I understand you are frustrated but please dont blame them. They are doing the best they can.

Yes, it takes TIME to get all the assistance in place. This is why you are told before the disaster to have a plan and enough supplies to sustain yourself for a least 3 to 7 days. The more the better.

The nation saw the response after Katrina to our area. Some folks in New Orleans got a lot of air time complaining. Those of us in Mississippi and in other areas of Louisiana were "pulling up our bootstraps" (as our former governor said) and getting to work taking care of ourselves and neighbors until other help could arrive. In fact, help is still coming to our area.

There is more help coming to your area than you can imagine. This is all local and national news outlets are talking about and there are many organizations getting resources together to rush to your area for weeks, months and years to come.

Help will be there just give it time to get there!!!

 

[Desnik]

Great post, OP!
In my area there is no gas at all! I'm so glad I filled up before the storm but I'm trying to use it sparingly. I do have power but many in my area still do not. We have DD's friend staying here with us because she still has no power at her house! My supermarket did finally open today and it was crazy!

 

[Hannathy]

We are definately praying for you there and will be making donations to several different things to help any way we can. I was saddened to hear that OUR utility workers made a trip up there to help out, but were turned away because they were not union workers. Hopefully at some point those in power will make exceptions to those that are trying to help out those in need.

God Bless,

map57

This needs to be repeated!! and is outrageous! To let the Unions do this at this time of need is beyond reprehensible!!

Sp those without power need to thank their unions for turning away desperately needed help.

I find it disgusting.

 

[Southernmiss]

This needs to be repeated!! and is outrageous! To let the Unions do this at this time of need is beyond reprehensible!!

Sp those without power need to thank their unions for turning away desperately needed help.

I find it disgusting.

It has now been reported that there was an initial misunderstanding, but the guys have now been directed to places they can help.

 

[Hannathy]

It has now been reported that there was an initial misunderstanding, but the guys have now been directed to places they can help.

There never should have been a "misunderstanding" to begin with.

how cute that they call it a misunderstanding.

 

[disney1990]

All utility companies are welcome to come and help. Please let's not make this a fight. Let's just make sure that those that need help are getting it.

 

[LaurieN]

The utility crew working in my area are all the way from Minnesota, we are all very thankful for them!! They left their home and loved ones behind to help us. Many here have made a point to stop by with coffee or just to say thanks! They (along with everyone who is helping) are working long hours in horrible conditions far from home! Sometimes it's hard for people to remember when they are suffering, and the media loves to show only the ugly side of things. Everyone is greatful for the help, some just can't show it because they are suffering do badly!

 

[Jennasis]

My entire family is on Long Island. Both of my sisters are without power and have been since the storm. My cousin is a house manager at an adult group home and just waited in a FIVE HOUR long gas line for gas for the generator they need to run the house and keep the heat on. People are scared. Nerves are frayed.

But honestly, none of them prepared for the storm. NOT ONE of my family members filled gas cans or their cars prior to the storm arriving. They bought water and "snacks". The smart ones filled their bath tubs with water and froze extra ice and filled propane tanks.

I begged them to buy a generator or to at least get some extra gas. And I can't be there to help them clean up...so tonight I will donate during the concert, and then I'll donate blood.