Minimum Preps : Emergency Weather Radio, First Aid Kit, Battery Lantern, Water storage
# 6677
The sun is just now coming up across the Mid-Atlantic states - roughly 12 hours after post-tropical storm Sandy slammed into New Jersey and New York. Early damage reports suggest this storm has lived up to it’s epic billing, but it will take a day or more before we really know the true extent of the destruction.
For 7 million residents across several states, this morning breaks cold, dark, and damp. Power is out in many places, and may remain out for days, leaving millions without heat, light, communications, or the ability to cook.
Temperatures are chilly, but running above freezing at night. At least for now.
New York City’s infrastructure . . . particularly their mass transit systems, appear to have been significantly impacted. There are reports of subway tunnels flooded with salt water, which may produce corrosion problems even after they are pumped out.
In a town where most people ride, instead of drive, this will have a major impact on how quickly that city returns to work.
There are reports this morning of levee breaks in New Jersey, prompting fresh rescue operations. Hurricane force gusts whipped a major fire in Queens, which at last report had engulfed dozens of homes.
If it’s been a bad night for residents, keep in mind it’s been even a worse night for emergency responders and emergency management personnel. Even though they have their own homes and families to worry about, they are out there taking care of others.
Some twitter feeds to follow today, to keep track of the damage, and the emergency response:
FEMA Director Craig Fugate @CraigAtFema
NYC Mayor's Office @NYCMayorsOffice
New Jersey Gov Christie @GovChristie
NY Gov Andrew Cuomo @NYGovCuomo
