Dirty Jobs

I finished my preparations and called my Captain.  Told him I was finished here at home, and asked if he needed any help.  He told me that they had it covered, but he'd put me on the list, if they needed any help, he'd call.  That works for me.

Most folks don't realize how storms such as this might affect people who aren't in the direct path of the weather.  My sister, for example, works for a nursing home.  They called her this morning and told her to pack a bag.  She'll be at the nursing home for the duration.  It seems that they have properties down south and if they have to evacuate, they need administrators, nurses, and direct-care folks on hand to take care of the elderly folks who can't care for themselves.

My youngest son, who works for the state as a Parole Officer, has also gotten a warning order.  In the event of a disaster affecting a state prison, they might have to get on a bus and move inmates from one facility to another.  If you're in the electrical grid business, you're on alert this morning.  As soon as the wind quits howling, you'll be in your truck going to a place where power lines are down.  Likewise telephone repairmen, likewise all the contractors that provide sewerage, potable water, or provide tarpaulins and temporary shelter.

I've seen casinos set up big tents and bring in portable kitchens, feeding all comers free of charge as long as they were needed..Whether a refugee who's lost everything, or a hungry fireman who's been helping at the local shelter, it doesn't matter if they're hungry.  Feed them.

There is a whole army of people waiting for the wind to quit blowing.  They hope that they're not needed, but they wait nonetheless.  This is a slow-moving storm and it's weighing on us in ways that some folks might not understand.  For myself, right now, I'm bored and doing laundry.  If the lights go out, I'll have clean clothes.