Posted: 7/1/2012 6:20:56 PM EDT
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I use to live in Central Ohio and several years ago when the remnants of Hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands people without power for up to 2-3 weeks in many places. During that time I had the chance to share prepping strategies with several of my neighbors (generator tactics, emergency lighting, fuel storage, etc...), with little idea of whether or not anyone took me seriously. Oddly enough, while I was visiting Central Ohio this week 80-85 MPH winds and driving rain left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Since I was a visitor and was staying at a home that still had power in the area I got a "ringside seat" to see how my old neighors were dealing with the power outtage:
Neighbor #1 - The husband bought my old 4400 watt generator before we moved out of state a year ago. He had PM'ed the generator just as I recommended and it started on the first pull after the lights went out. He had 11 gallons of gas stored, with plenty of spark plugs and engine oil to spare. This neighbor kept his food fresh, lights on,, fans on and ran sump pumps for several neighbors. He texted me on my way back South and said that he was greatful for my pointers and the deal on the old genny. Neighbor #2 - This neighbor and all of their kids "camped out" at my house during the Hurricane Ike power outtage a few years ago. When they commented how happy they were to be in a home with electricity I coached them the same way I did Neighbor #1. However, during this storm they sat in the dark and I heard that the husband cursed the electric company for being so slow to turn the power on. They tried calling the local Lowe's and you guessed it, there wasn't a generator available for a few hundred miles. They also heard about a government program to help provide generators for families without power and they found out that the list was very, very long. This family is now trying to spend as much time as they can with Neighbor #1. Can you say "deja vu"? You might call this " A Tale Of Two Neighbors" but it's obvious to see who has a short memory and no drive to change their own circumstances. I also thought that it was interesting that another friend of mine in the area said that with the power being out at so many homes that several neighbors had started a formal neighborhood watch, just in case someone tried to mess with property or the people in the darkened neighborhoods in the Lancaster, Ohio area. |
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Sounds to me like you had a 50% success rate w/ your "talks". that's way higher than normal IMHO. You can't save everyone, but in this case you saves 1/2. Nice work... -Slice PS: I wish we'd have gotten some of that rain. We were surrounded by it again today, but not a drop in the SE IN desert. I'd gladly trade a few day power outage for 2" of God's life juice... |
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I also thought that it was interesting that another friend of mine in the area said that with the power being out at so many homes that several neighbors had started a formal neighborhood watch, just in case someone tried to mess with property or the people in the darkened neighborhoods in the Lancaster, Ohio area. Which area ? I'm not living there currently but going 'home' is my B.O.L. |
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I use to live in Central Ohio and several years ago when the remnants of Hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands people without power for up to 2-3 weeks in many places. During that time I had the chance to share prepping strategies with several of my neighbors (generator tactics, emergency lighting, fuel storage, etc...), with little idea of whether or not anyone took me seriously. Oddly enough, while I was visiting Central Ohio this week 80-85 MPH winds and driving rain left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Since I was a visitor and was staying at a home that still had power in the area I got a "ringside seat" to see how my old neighors were dealing with the power outtage: Neighbor #1 - The husband bought my old 4400 watt generator before we moved out of state a year ago. He had PM'ed the generator just as I recommended and it started on the first pull after the lights went out. He had 11 gallons of gas stored, with plenty of spark plugs and engine oil to spare. This neighbor kept his food fresh, lights on,, fans on and ran sump pumps for several neighbors. He texted me on my way back South and said that he was greatful for my pointers and the deal on the old genny. Neighbor #2 - This neighbor and all of their kids "camped out" at my house during the Hurricane Ike power outtage a few years ago. When they commented how happy they were to be in a home with electricity I coached them the same way I did Neighbor #1. However, during this storm they sat in the dark and I heard that the husband cursed the electric company for being so slow to turn the power on. They tried calling the local Lowe's and you guessed it, there wasn't a generator available for a few hundred miles. They also heard about a government program to help provide generators for families without power and they found out that the list was very, very long. This family is now trying to spend as much time as they can with Neighbor #1. Can you say "deja vu"? You might call this " A Tale Of Two Neighbors" but it's obvious to see who has a short memory and no drive to change their own circumstances. I also thought that it was interesting that another friend of mine in the area said that with the power being out at so many homes that several neighbors had started a formal neighborhood watch, just in case someone tried to mess with property or the people in the darkened neighborhoods in the Lancaster, Ohio area. What is PMing a generator? Properly maintain? |
| Near Dayton myself. During the hurricane Ike storm we weren't prepared at all, power was out for 9 days. That storm lead me to prepping. Wish I had a neighbor like you to guide me, but I was motivated enough on my own. This storm I didn't loose power at all, I am plenty ready. There was no worry or anxiety. I've spoke with friend and neighbors about prepping, some see the light, some don't. |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! One more observation (call it a prediction) neighbor #2 would be the first to blame someone else for his problems. Witness that he curses the power company for not getting it fixed. I have a feeling his type would be the first to demand you help him. Or failing that, the first to start taking stuff that doesn't belong to him when his misery mounts a little. I noticed that you pointed out a watch program in your OP. So other people have come to this same conclusion. |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! One more observation (call it a prediction) neighbor #2 would be the first to blame someone else for his problems. Witness that he curses the power company for not getting it fixed. I have a feeling his type would be the first to demand you help him. Or failing that, the first to start taking stuff that doesn't belong to him when his misery mounts a little. I noticed that you pointed out a watch program in your OP. So other people have come to this same conclusion. Somebody ALWAYS owes Neighbor #2: electricity, gas, food, a good seat at the theater when they are 10 minutes late, a discount because everybody else has the coupon, a box of crayons for his kid after school starts... it goes on and on. The world is FULL of Neighbor #2's. There is a reason they are #2's –– pieces of shit. |
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I'm guessing you're correct.
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I use to live in Central Ohio and several years ago when the remnants of Hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands people without power for up to 2-3 weeks in many places. During that time I had the chance to share prepping strategies with several of my neighbors (generator tactics, emergency lighting, fuel storage, etc...), with little idea of whether or not anyone took me seriously. Oddly enough, while I was visiting Central Ohio this week 80-85 MPH winds and driving rain left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Since I was a visitor and was staying at a home that still had power in the area I got a "ringside seat" to see how my old neighors were dealing with the power outtage: Neighbor #1 - The husband bought my old 4400 watt generator before we moved out of state a year ago. He had PM'ed the generator just as I recommended and it started on the first pull after the lights went out. He had 11 gallons of gas stored, with plenty of spark plugs and engine oil to spare. This neighbor kept his food fresh, lights on,, fans on and ran sump pumps for several neighbors. He texted me on my way back South and said that he was greatful for my pointers and the deal on the old genny. Neighbor #2 - This neighbor and all of their kids "camped out" at my house during the Hurricane Ike power outtage a few years ago. When they commented how happy they were to be in a home with electricity I coached them the same way I did Neighbor #1. However, during this storm they sat in the dark and I heard that the husband cursed the electric company for being so slow to turn the power on. They tried calling the local Lowe's and you guessed it, there wasn't a generator available for a few hundred miles. They also heard about a government program to help provide generators for families without power and they found out that the list was very, very long. This family is now trying to spend as much time as they can with Neighbor #1. Can you say "deja vu"? You might call this " A Tale Of Two Neighbors" but it's obvious to see who has a short memory and no drive to change their own circumstances. I also thought that it was interesting that another friend of mine in the area said that with the power being out at so many homes that several neighbors had started a formal neighborhood watch, just in case someone tried to mess with property or the people in the darkened neighborhoods in the Lancaster, Ohio area. What is PMing a generator? Properly maintain? |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! One more observation (call it a prediction) neighbor #2 would be the first to blame someone else for his problems. Witness that he curses the power company for not getting it fixed. I have a feeling his type would be the first to demand you help him. Or failing that, the first to start taking stuff that doesn't belong to him when his misery mounts a little. I noticed that you pointed out a watch program in your OP. So other people have come to this same conclusion. Somebody ALWAYS owes Neighbor #2: electricity, gas, food, a good seat at the theater when they are 10 minutes late, a discount because everybody else has the coupon, a box of crayons for his kid after school starts... it goes on and on. The world is FULL of Neighbor #2's. There is a reason they are #2's –– pieces of shit. I meet lots of Neighbor #2's at work. They cannot manage their lives so they constantly call usto do it for them. If a major SHTF event occurs they will either have to learn and adapt quickly (unlikely) or find someone to take care of them quickly (unlikely). If unable to meet one of those two conditions they won't make it long. |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! One more observation (call it a prediction) neighbor #2 would be the first to blame someone else for his problems. Witness that he curses the power company for not getting it fixed. I have a feeling his type would be the first to demand you help him. Or failing that, the first to start taking stuff that doesn't belong to him when his misery mounts a little. I noticed that you pointed out a watch program in your OP. So other people have come to this same conclusion. Somebody ALWAYS owes Neighbor #2: electricity, gas, food, a good seat at the theater when they are 10 minutes late, a discount because everybody else has the coupon, a box of crayons for his kid after school starts... it goes on and on. The world is FULL of Neighbor #2's. There is a reason they are #2's –– pieces of shit. I meet lots of Neighbor #2's at work. They cannot manage their lives so they constantly call usto do it for them. If a major SHTF event occurs they will either have to learn and adapt quickly (unlikely) or find someone to take care of them quickly (unlikely). If unable to meet one of those two conditions they won't make it long. And if someone took them in, give it a week before they demand to be in charge 
I also try to help people when I can, but I also realize: "You can't fix stupid". Some people must learn the hard way or never at all. |
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Army talk for "Preventive maintenance" basically run it a few times a year, make sure every things good to go, note any leaks or parts that need changing etc. BurlySoldier is correct regarding my recommending that my neighbor run the generator from time to time and put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Neighbor #2 believes that making such preparations is unnecessary and/or perhaps is a paranoid reaction to the weather. However, they're the ones that are miserable and they've went through exactly the same type of power outtage previously! One more observation (call it a prediction) neighbor #2 would be the first to blame someone else for his problems. Witness that he curses the power company for not getting it fixed. I have a feeling his type would be the first to demand you help him. Or failing that, the first to start taking stuff that doesn't belong to him when his misery mounts a little. I noticed that you pointed out a watch program in your OP. So other people have come to this same conclusion. Somebody ALWAYS owes Neighbor #2: electricity, gas, food, a good seat at the theater when they are 10 minutes late, a discount because everybody else has the coupon, a box of crayons for his kid after school starts... it goes on and on. The world is FULL of Neighbor #2's. There is a reason they are #2's –– pieces of shit. I meet lots of Neighbor #2's at work. They cannot manage their lives so they constantly call usto do it for them. If a major SHTF event occurs they will either have to learn and adapt quickly (unlikely) or find someone to take care of them quickly (unlikely). If unable to meet one of those two conditions they won't make it long. And if someone took them in, give it a week before they demand to be in charge
I also try to help people when I can, but I also realize: "You can't fix stupid". Some people must learn the hard way or never at all. Absolutely true. They will call us to come fix some perceived problem or injustice and then get mad when they don't like our answers and try to tell us how to do our jobs. Just another day at the office. |
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I use to live in Central Ohio and several years ago when the remnants of Hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands people without power for up to 2-3 weeks in many places. During that time I had the chance to share prepping strategies with several of my neighbors (generator tactics, emergency lighting, fuel storage, etc...), with little idea of whether or not anyone took me seriously. Oddly enough, while I was visiting Central Ohio this week 80-85 MPH winds and driving rain left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Since I was a visitor and was staying at a home that still had power in the area I got a "ringside seat" to see how my old neighors were dealing with the power outtage: Neighbor #1 - The husband bought my old 4400 watt generator before we moved out of state a year ago. He had PM'ed the generator just as I recommended and it started on the first pull after the lights went out. He had 11 gallons of gas stored, with plenty of spark plugs and engine oil to spare. This neighbor kept his food fresh, lights on,, fans on and ran sump pumps for several neighbors. He texted me on my way back South and said that he was greatful for my pointers and the deal on the old genny. Neighbor #2 - This neighbor and all of their kids "camped out" at my house during the Hurricane Ike power outtage a few years ago. When they commented how happy they were to be in a home with electricity I coached them the same way I did Neighbor #1. However, during this storm they sat in the dark and I heard that the husband cursed the electric company for being so slow to turn the power on. They tried calling the local Lowe's and you guessed it, there wasn't a generator available for a few hundred miles. They also heard about a government program to help provide generators for families without power and they found out that the list was very, very long. This family is now trying to spend as much time as they can with Neighbor #1. Can you say "deja vu"? You might call this " A Tale Of Two Neighbors" but it's obvious to see who has a short memory and no drive to change their own circumstances. I also thought that it was interesting that another friend of mine in the area said that with the power being out at so many homes that several neighbors had started a formal neighborhood watch, just in case someone tried to mess with property or the people in the darkened neighborhoods in the Lancaster, Ohio area. What is PMing a generator? Properly maintain? Preventative Maintenance...? |