What's taking so long to restore power

[Aliceacc]

And to the poster with the elderly wheelchair bound parent, I would have gotten her out of there ASAP into someplace more comfortable/warm.

Provided, of course, that you had the gasoline to get her there.

 

[krcit]

I'm just not sure why some are saying why it's not being covered. 1st, it is still being covered daily. 2nd, does having it covered daily or not change the circumstances?

Doesn't change the circumstances but media coverage will change the response of the government and help us get aid.

 

[krcit]

Provided, of course, that you had the gasoline to get her there.

 

[Aliceacc]

I asked if that poster needed something specific we could help them with.

For anyone looking to help, here's a start. It's a letter I emailed to any company I could think of this afternoon.
Could someone from NJ and other effected areas add on please??

As to what's needed, think WARM. We've already had a good 6-8 inches of snow, so anything warm would be a huge help. As would bleach, work gloves, bags and boxes, and anything else that could be used to tear a house down to the studs and try to hold the mold at bay.

Many, many thanks to anyone in a position to help.



To whom it may concern,
As I’m sure you’re aware, much of Long Island was recently devastated by SuperStorm Sandy. Many of my fellow Long Islanders saw all their belongings washed out to sea, then just days later suffered through a nor’easter that brought us several inches of snow.

I’m writing to ask that your organization find a way to donate to the victims of Sandy. I’ve included some names and addresses of local drives.



Thank for anything you can donate that will help my fellow Long Islanders recover from this disaster.

Sincerely,

*******************************************************

Ed Mangano,Office of the County Executive

1550 Franklin Avenue

Mineola, NY 11501
516-MANGANO
516-686-4260



Steve Ballone, Suffolk County Executive

H. Lee Dennison Bldg
100 Veterans Memorial Hwy P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: (631) 853-5593







Blanket Drive:


In response to hurricane victims still without electricity, Legislator Tom Muratore R-Ronkonkoma) announced a "Blanket in a Bag" drive to be held in his district office from Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov.30. Donors are asked to place a new or clean, gently used blanket in a bag and deliver it to 325 Middle Country Road, Suite 3, in Selden (intersection of North Ocean Avenue in the Waldbaum's shopping center). The office will accept donations Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. "Many people are still without power or heat, and the cold weather is approaching quickly," stated Legislator Tom Muratore. "The warmth of a blanket is one way to alleviate the burden that Hurricane Sandy has bestowed on many. I am hoping that we can band together as a community to help those in need." Blanket donations will be distributed through Lighthouse Mission and other local charities. For more information, you can contact the office of Legislator Muratore at 631-854-9292, or email tom.muratore@suffolkcountyny.gov.



Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
87 7th St., Valley Stream, NY
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-noon, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
For additional information call: 516-825-2903

Disaster Recovery Center in Long Beach
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Recreation Center and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd, Long Beach, NY 11561

Disaster Recovery Center in Island Park
9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Island Park Village Hall
127 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY 11558

Disaster Recovery Center in Garden City
8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Nassau County Community College
1 Education Drive, Garden City, NY 11530

The following is a list of Fema Recovery Centers in Suffolk County:

Disaster Recovery Center in Hauppauge
7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Disaster Recovery Center in Islip
9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Islip EOC
401 Main St.,Islip, NY 11751

Disaster Recovery Center in Mastic
9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Mastic Rec Center
5 Herkimer St., Mastic, NY

Disaster Recovery Center in Babylon / Lindenhurst
9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst, NY

Disaster Recovery Center in Riverhead
9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Suffolk County Complex Center
300 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901

 

[tvguy]

Doesn't change the circumstances but media coverage will change the response of the government and help us get aid.

As someone who works in the media, I'm not sure how much coverage we can give it. Other than eleciton day, it has been the lead story on all the national evening newscasts, and the networks have been offering live updates to affilate stations every 30 minutes (what we in the business call Generic Live shots or Group Live shots) since the day BEFORE the storm hit. That certainly doesn't mean for example, that my station on the West Coast is taking those live shots, but Sandy has been in every newscast for nearly 2 weeks. That's pretty big coverage.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

There are no words I can use on Dis to describe LIPA. 14 days without power in area that had no floods.

We talked to a crew yesterday who said they do nothing for hours because dispatch doesn't assign the jobs.
We had workers from Florida, Missouri and Texas working on our problem They all said they never saw such a badly organized company.

All of the out of state workers were so good and understund how frustrated we were. I thank them all for coming to help our inept company.

Every executive at LIPA should be fired and the company needs to taken over by someone else.

 

[Southernmiss]

I am sure everybody has a clear picture on what happened here. It is being covered heavily. There is help all around us. People have rallied from ALL OVER to do anything they can to help.

What some are trying to do is offer some "comfort" in letting everybody know that others have gone through this before. Others have gone weeks with no power and no way of knowing when it would be returned. Others have lost homes, cars, loved ones etc and had nowhere to go. Although we have plenty of shelters open at least here in NJ so it's more like people have nowhere they WANT to go.

to the whole post. I am sure there's truth in n that last statement that is hard to swallow. When people are not used to needing to depend on help, it is very humbling to acccept it.

Thank you, Thank you! for actually understanding what some of us are saying. I'm sorry you all are having to go through this, but I do think that some things happen for a reason. Every single hard thing I've gone through has made me more compassionate. Going without power in extreme temperatures is VERY hard. I sent my kids away with DH out of state to a hotel because I absolutely could not miss work, ate PB&J sandwiches until that was all gone, but still never complained.
Some of us are just letting some others know that it is very frustrating, but you will eventually get through it.

And to the poster with the elderly wheelchair bound parent, I would have gotten her out of there ASAP into someplace more comfortable/warm.

As someone who works in the media, I'm not sure how much coverage we can give it. Other than eleciton day, it has been the lead story on all the national evening newscasts, and the networks have been offering live updates to affilate stations every 30 minutes (what we in the business call Generic Live shots or Group Live shots) since the day BEFORE the storm hit. That certainly doesn't mean for example, that my station on the West Coast is taking those live shots, but Sandy has been in every newscast for nearly 2 weeks. That's pretty big coverage.

It is truly hard when you are living the nightmare, but people all over are constantly sending good thoughts, wishes and help in many ways to those affected by SuperStorm Sandy.

Sadly, the jobs ahead are overwhelming and will take time. Many, many years for some situations.

There is not a day that has gone by that we have not been made aware of something going on in the wake of the storm. Just today, another donation opportunity was announced at church.

 

[LBAK]

There are no words I can use on Dis to describe LIPA. 14 days without power in area that had no floods.

We talked to a crew yesterday who said they do nothing for hours because dispatch doesn't assign the jobs. We had workers from Florida, Missouri and Texas working on our problem They all said they never say such a badly organized company.

All of the out of state workers were so good and understund how frustrated we were. I thank them all for coming to help our inept company.

Every executive at LIPA should be fired and the company needs to taken over by someone else.

We were told this also by a worker from GA. He said they'd get to a job site and there were no supplies so they had to go back to pick up what was needed (provided they had it) and come back fighting traffic they're not used to and trying to drive around gas lines. He said by the time they started it was 3 PM. LIPA stinks!

 

[RadioNate]

Thank you, Thank you! for actually understanding what some of us are saying. I'm sorry you all are having to go through this, but I do think that some things happen for a reason. Every single hard thing I've gone through has made me more compassionate. Going without power in extreme temperatures is VERY hard. I sent my kids away with DH out of state to a hotel because I absolutely could not miss work, ate PB&J sandwiches until that was all gone, but still never complained.
Some of us are just letting some others know that it is very frustrating, but you will eventually get through it.

And to the poster with the elderly wheelchair bound parent, I would have gotten her out of there ASAP into someplace more comfortable/warm.

to the whole post. I am sure there's truth in n that last statement that is hard to swallow. When people are not used to needing to depend on help, it is very humbling to acccept it.









It is truly hard when you are living the nightmare, but people all over are constantly sending good thoughts, wishes and help in many ways to those affected by SuperStorm Sandy.

Sadly, the jobs ahead are overwhelming and will take time. Many, many years for some situations.

There is not a day that has gone by that we have not been made aware of something going on in the wake of the storm. Just today, another donation opportunity was announced at church.

Thank you and YES. This is exactly it. No one is unsympathetic. We DO have compassion and empathy because so many of us have been there before. No one is trying to minimize it, we know it SUCKS. We are trying to say "hang in there." "Be patient."

Like a PP said. Just because it isn't the help you want doesn't mean the help you may need isn't there. Does that make sense?

No one wants to stay at a shelter, we get that. But sometimes that's the option. No one wants to eat MREs and cold food but sometimes that is what is available. It will get better. It just takes time.

 

[disney1990]

When Tropical Storm Irene came through Maryland (it is was nothing compared to Sandy) my elderly Mom was without power for 3 weeks. Unfortunately, it does take time.

 

[mhsjax]

Doesn't change the circumstances but media coverage will change the response of the government and help us get aid.

I am not so sure it will help, I am sure that those who went through the nightmare of Katrina, or Andrew in south Florida could answer that. But I am betting it doesn't help as much as you think. Yes it sucks, there are no other words for it, but others who have gone through this are trying to offer advice, many have been where you are, several times in their lives.

I have many friends that wanted nothing more than to jump in their trucks, loaded up with supplies and come help. But that wasn't possible and I guess I understand why. This is why on the how do you prepare for a storm thread, i answered, I don't, I pack up and leave. I am lucky I have that option, others don't. Hang in there, it has to get better.

 

[Mkrop]

Once again the lack of compassion expressed on the DIS is amazing. Reread what some of you posted bc the WAY you are saying we have been there and done that by some posters and to be patient is really lacking sympathy. And even though you have been through a diaster does not mean you have been through this particular diaster. I would think most diasters encounter certain unique circumstances based on population, geography and time of year etc.

Good luck to all the Sandy victims, I for one welcome all the news coverage bc I want to know how we can help and how you are fairing.

 

[Poohforyou]

Thank you, Thank you! for actually understanding what some of us are saying. I'm sorry you all are having to go through this, but I do think that some things happen for a reason. Every single hard thing I've gone through has made me more compassionate. Going without power in extreme temperatures is VERY hard. I sent my kids away with DH out of state to a hotel because I absolutely could not miss work, ate PB&J sandwiches until that was all gone, but still never complained.
Some of us are just letting some others know that it is very frustrating, but you will eventually get through it.

And to the poster with the elderly wheelchair bound parent, I would have gotten her out of there ASAP into someplace more comfortable/warm.

Compassion is leaving it at "I'm sorry you are going through this".

 

[auntie]

There are no words I can use on Dis to describe LIPA. 14 days without power in area that had no floods.

We talked to a crew yesterday who said they do nothing for hours because dispatch doesn't assign the jobs.
We had workers from Florida, Missouri and Texas working on our problem They all said they never saw such a badly organized company.

All of the out of state workers were so good and understund how frustrated we were. I thank them all for coming to help our inept company.

Every executive at LIPA should be fired and the company needs to taken over by someone else.

I quite agree! I actually live near the Hickville Headquarters for LIPA. We could see their sign lit up through the storm. Yet..they never managed to come across the street and light up the rest of the town for seven days. Good portions of Hicksville and Bethpage were still without power today. We saw a generator fire in a truck outside a Bethpage home yesterday. People are getting desperate trying to keep warm and have some light. For those unfamiliar, these were NOT areas hit by the surge or the full impact of the storm. There really isn't a reason for these areas not to have power. It's a very hap hazard operation. Our lines are above ground and accessbile.
My landscaper came three days after the storm and asked why we were without power. I couldn't explain it. Any downed trees had already been cut and taken away. If you looked around we appeared undamaged except for the lack of power. The Town of Oyser Bay has been excellent in that regard. So we waited.

Thinking was that certainly, there were areas (like the Rockaways, Babylon, Lindenhurst) that were in much more dire straights than we. So we waited, and waited and waited. We had NO, ZERO, ZILCH, in the way of information. You call LIPA, and you get a recording. Nothing, but a generic message. The most annoying thing is that the recording tells you to go on line and look at their website. Yeah, I have no internet and no light, so that's a little tough to do.. Idiots. My sister is in Commack. TWO WEEKS. No power, yet across the street from her, they have power???
In fact, the most hard hit areas on the south shore have been taken out of the equation all together in regard to outages. Lipa isn't even counting those areas in regards to restoration. So while it appears statistically that the restoration was improving, it was in fact doing just the opposite.


I also read in Newsday yesterday that LIPA management and their lawyers had delayed the out of state workers from actually working because they wanted them to join the union! Which of course they didn't want to do. Again, the boots on the ground while here... weren't on the ground. It was also two to three days into this event before they called in outside help. Once here they were prevented from actually working due to union issues. So now you're FOUR or FIVE days into this diaster before the so called boots on the ground can start working. Then they are given antiquated maps and outdated sources to base their work on. They were delayed by the Mickey Mouse management of LIPA.
I have NO DOUBT that the LIPA employees are working tirelessly trying to get the island back up and running. It's the management that has fallen terribly short. The out of state crews are hailed as heros in the communities they come into. My sister has crews from Kentucky working in her area as I write this.

 

[auntie]

No one was sent away for being non-union. http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/sandyunion.asp

I don't know about NJ, however, Newsday reported yesterday that non union workers were in fact being turned away, or rather, LIPA's union wanted them to sign papers joining the union. Which of course, out of state workers did not want to do. While they were not "turned away" this delay (while the lawyers worked it out) pushed the restoration effort back even further. We were four to five days into this diaster before these folks could actually do what they came here to do.

 

[hereyago]

Once again the lack of compassion expressed on the DIS is amazing. Reread what some of you posted bc the WAY you are saying we have been there and done that by some posters and to be patient is really lacking sympathy. And even though you have been through a diaster does not mean you have been through this particular diaster. I would think most diasters encounter certain unique circumstances based on population, geography and time of year etc.

Good luck to all the Sandy victims, I for one welcome all the news coverage bc I want to know how we can help and how you are fairing.[/QUOTE)
Wow really? Some of us have been through hurricanes none of us are saying stop the whining. We can sympathize because we have had that expierence. The feeling of wanting to get back to some sort of normalcy, the feel7ng you are in some sort of nightmare and can't wake up,etc. So I truly don't give a rats butt if you think some of us are being unsympathetic I am not going to be PC and pretend its ok,it sucks. I am also not going to say we had to get by in crazy heat and make it a peeing contest. And you think incorrectly about the unique circumstances based on population or reguon,it All sucks. Devastatioion is devastation having your area rearranged to where it isn't even a shadow of what it was. You feeling you have no control over it and you don't,it is a very eye opening expierence.

 

[Aliceacc]

From Newsday:
"Fla. utility: Union delayed crews for LIPA

Originally published: November 9, 2012 2:08 PM
Updated: November 9, 2012 10:39 PM
By MARK HARRINGTON mark.harrington@newsday.com

As superstorm Sandy pounded Long Island last week, representatives for the Long Island Power Authority began making mayday calls to repair crews across the nation. But their requests for help came with a footnote, according to one utility group that received a call: Contact the local electrical union first so that imported workers could be signed up as members before they arrived.

With repair work still going on 12 days later and more than 160,000 Long Islanders still without power after Sandy and this week's nor'easter, the contention that LIPA's union leaders required so-called "assent letters" sent to would-be workers early in the restoration has become an issue as ratepayers look for answers about why it's taking so long to get power back.

Barry Moline, executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, said Long Island could have received 125 additional workers from utilities across Florida as soon as two days after the storm if a dispute about the letters had been resolved sooner. He said most of the crews from Florida who were available were nonunion and refused to join Local 1049 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, even if only temporarily. IBEW Local 1049 represents some 2,000 National Grid workers contracted by LIPA....."

 

[Robbi]

Once again the lack of compassion expressed on the DIS is amazing. Reread what some of you posted bc the WAY you are saying we have been there and done that by some posters and to be patient is really lacking sympathy. And even though you have been through a diaster does not mean you have been through this particular diaster. I would think most diasters encounter certain unique circumstances based on population, geography and time of year etc.

Good luck to all the Sandy victims, I for one welcome all the news coverage bc I want to know how we can help and how you are fairing.

Wow really? Some of us have been through hurricanes none of us are saying stop the whining. We can sympathize because we have had that expierence. The feeling of wanting to get back to some sort of normalcy, the feel7ng you are in some sort of nightmare and can't wake up,etc. So I truly don't give a rats butt if you think some of us are being unsympathetic I am not going to be PC and pretend its ok,it sucks. I am also not going to say we had to get by in crazy heat and make it a peeing contest. And you think incorrectly about the unique circumstances based on population or reguon,it All sucks. Devastatioion is devastation having your area rearranged to where it isn't even a shadow of what it was. You feeling you have no control over it and you don't,it is a very eye opening expierence.

 

[foreUT]

sandy was over 900 miles in diameter,so it wasn't just NY and NJ affected.with that, salt from the water corroding the lines, trees down and debri still has to be removed first. Yea 2 weeks out of power sucks,but you have no control over it. Been there done that and I survived it. Some people did nothing to prepare whether they thought their area was immune to destruction or they were silly enough to think their local government would fix everything back to normal in 2 days. Hopefully this is a wakeup call for both individuals realizing they better be prepared to "save themselves" until help can come and things start to get things back on track. And hopefully the powers that be be better prepared to help their citizens I am sure other states would be willing to give advice on how they deal with certain natural disasters.

I know that reaching out to other Governors probably is not a typical response, but no Governor seems as prepared for dire weather events than Bobby Jindal, imo. If you have ever seen his press conferences before any threatened hurricane, he has a list pages long with who's going to do what and when. I wish that he had been contacted to provide some input on what administrative plans should be enacted immediately and what should follow. After Katrina, even though he was just a Congressman, I think that horrible disaster helped him understand the problems and how the state can best respond.

I personally lived w/o power for 12 days after an ice storm, so I really empathize with the victims. Not having fuel, food shortages, and all the other indignities on top of that? Horrible, terrible and I hope their nightmare ends soon.

 

[foreUT]

Unless you are among the 57 or 127 thousand. Have you ever been without power/heat for two weeks when the night temperatures went below 40 every night and a Nor'easter came through half way through? You clearly have no compassion for those people involved in this disaster, or at least you are not representing ANY compassion in your posts.

I don't think people realize how quickly their homes lose heat. Most people don't camp out in the winter for a reason. When our power went out, the house was soooo cold. I wore two pairs of long underwear under my flannel jammies and slept in a heavy duty sleeping bag and was still cold. I feel so sorry for those people who are suffering through this.