What I Learned From Hurricane Irene

When I was talking to a wireless representative of my phone company, he asked if my disruption of service could be caused by a passing storm.  I asked him where he was.  He said Washington state.  I had to explain that the entire state of Connecticut had been smacked by Hurricane Irene, and that I had to use my phone landline to call in and report that my cell service was zero.  I was doing their by flashlight, as our power was out.

What have I learned?  I learned…

1. One side of the country doesn't necessarily know what's happening on the other side of the country?

2.  Glow sticks are excellent.

3.  If the water is leaking out of your bathtub (which happened to several people), get a new garbage can and line it with a heavy duty garbage bag before filling it with water.  We had 3 of them.

4. It's tough to edit by a booklight, but you can write by it.

5. A radio with batteries is a vital instrument in keeping your sanity, giving hope with its progress news reports, and being a source of entertainment.

6. A hard-wired phone keeps you connected, when cell phones fail.

What else did I learn?  To get more supplies, so the family can survive better in the dark next time.  Another hurricane might be headed our way next week.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life