Cardude in Harvey bullseye

[BandB]

Wow....

It looks like your marina had the foresight to use piling that were tall enough to handle the depth. Currently, the boats look like they are doing fine. As long as their batteries can keep the bilge pumps working until power can be restored on the docks.

Good point that now surge isn't the concern, it's the rainfall.

 

[cardude01]

Well I hope the weather channel people are happy. We are getting killed down here. It is amazing how the tone of their voices change when it is actually happening. They go from attempted sensationalism to very somber. It's really bad down here. Really really bad.

We just got power back. I just saw some pics of Houston-- the flooding looks terrible. Hang in there.

 

[Bigsfish]

I feel bad for the guys from Texas. From my perspective living in south Florida I think we are more use to hurricanes plus if we get heavy rains it all drains into the Atlantic because of our canal system, the government opens the canals and the water runs off and the flooding ends. I e had five feet of water until the gates are opened and in a day or two it's normal.

I wish all your guys the best to pull out of this.

 

[CPseudonym]

One hour ago the Houston police department tweeted out the following general call for public help.

Anyone with a boat who can volunteer to help please call 713-881-3100 #HurricaneHarvey

 

[BandB]

One hour ago the Houston police department tweeted out the following general call for public help.

Anyone with a boat who can volunteer to help please call 713-881-3100 #HurricaneHarvey

Wifey B: Hundreds of people have been using boats to rescue. Still a lot of people on roof's. Even people on PWC's. Also, dump trucks have been valuable because they're high so truck loads of people on them.

Now just saw they're going to have to release water from reservoirs into the bayous making it worse.

Sure wish we were there to help. At least I'd feel like I was doing something and right now just worrying. It's not far from dark either. Watching people who have been through hell today and they're so orderly and sweet standing in the rain on the bridge.

 

[Mule]

Here, look

 

[healhustler]

The trouble with using small rescue boats with outboard power is all the unseen debris everywhere. Now many of the resuers must be wondering how close they can even get to neighborhoods in trouble, all the time more rain is coming, tornado warnings are being called and rescuers & victims alike are wearing out. Victims who can't be reached get less sleep, then less food, then less water, then what? This is only the middle of this storm. I'm sitting here in front of the TV wondering if I would be more of a nuisance then assistance if I loaded up my dinghy and drove west till I ran into the first flood, probably LA.

 

[Peter B]

Having seen the carnage these hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons can cause in terms of wind, surges and flooding on a regular basis, here in Queensland, our thoughts are with all those affected, as we know what it's like, but as Wifey B said, there's nothing you can really do to help, so you feel a bit helpless...

 

[Insequent]

I can but echo Pete's comments.

However, one thing I have noticed. Folks affected still need help in the weeks, and months, after the floods have receded and the news/talking heads have lost interest. At those times people that are impacted can really struggle. It then that you/we can really help them get back on track a little bit.

To those close enough to be able to help, perhaps keep your powder dry right now. Leave the dingy in the shed/on your boat. But in a week or two, join one of the community volunteer groups helping at ground zero? There were some here that did great work a few months ago, camping in tents in the devastated areas for a few days of work dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie. The psychological benefit for the locals was huge.

 

[dhays]

To those close enough to be able to help, perhaps keep your powder dry right now. Leave the dingy in the shed/on your boat. But in a week or two, join one of the community volunteer groups helping at ground zero? There were some here that did great work a few months ago, camping in tents in the devastated areas for a few days of work. The psychological benefit for the local was huge.

In the months to come there will be lots of volunteer efforts to help folks clean out their homes of all the stinking, moldy furniture and appliances, tearing out Sheetrock and flooring. Huge amount of physical work that needs to be done and folks will be having a hard time with money, food, water, fuel, rest, and emotional support.

 

[BandB]

I can but echo Pete's comments.

However, one thing I have noticed. Folks affected still need help in the weeks, and months, after the floods have receded and the news/talking heads have lost interest. At hose times people that are impacted can really struggle. It then that you/we can really help them get back on track a little bit.

To those close enough to be able to help, perhaps keep your powder dry right now. Leave the dingy in the shed/on your boat. But in a week or two, join one of the community volunteer groups helping at ground zero?

History back to Katrina. Huge numbers ended up in Texas and FEMA paid for lodging for a good while. Dallas/Fort Worth area was flooded with people. Now, these people were all unemployed and many decided to stay but needed help with lodging. Even the stories I hear about Andrew told about the movement to Broward county and no available lodging. Once what was there was filled they had to go to Palm Beach County. These persons were still commuting to Miami. Then there were those whose jobs were destroyed by the hurricane.

We will see so many people who have lost everything except that which is most important, their lives. However, the next loss may become their dignity, their pride. It's easy to take a brief vacation in Dallas or even just up the road in Conroe. It weighs heavily the long one goes.

At the same time they'll face rising costs too. Housing costs in south Texas will rise dramatically. Fuel costs will rise. Insurance costs will rise. Nothing will again ever be the same for many of them.

There are so many logistical nightmares for people. Think of a family with two young children and the kids miss the start of school. Then they have to try to get them into new schools and many schools are already overpacked. They have to get them all those things they need for school. And what if they're a month behind? How will they catch up. At some levels easy, but jump into an advanced math course after missing a month. Tutors will be needed.

Some families will grow closer but the divorce rate of those who have lost everything historically is very high. One or the other parent has just reached their limit. What about all those needing mental health counseling. I think many adults and kids would after suffering through something like this.

It's a lot like deaths because it is the death of life as it was for them. Typically when one loses a spouse, they have everyone show up for the first few days and the funeral. Then a week later, they find themselves more alone than they've ever been.

Many people also just need a little help in addition to what they might be getting elsewhere. Perhaps it's day care as they drive south to meet with the insurance adjuster. Perhaps it's just someone to be a friend. Maybe they're short a little on food this week, or their child needs clothes.

Our memories grow short as the world continues and more crises arise. No one on television has been talking about Rockport today. That shows how short. Houston is the news today, but Rockport has suffered tremendous damage. They were ground zero, they had the CAT 4 winds. Then there are humane societies with so many pets now. Houston SPCA is caring for hundreds of animals already.

So much help needed. No one of us can do it all, but if we can help one person then we've contributed. Now, if you do give money, please please be extra careful of who you give it to. Unfortunately, there will be many scams. Now people can invent a story and put it online. I know of people in tornado areas raise many dollars and they suffered no loss or those totally covered by insurance do the same.

Matthew was nothing like this but there are many on the coast who haven't recovered, some still not recovering from the storms a year earlier.

Today we saw the best of our society in volunteers performing rescues. They saved lives while showing their neighbors they cared. Our neighbors will need to be reminded over the next couple of years that we still care.

 

[BandB]

Wifey B:

Here's an article about the plights of people after Katrina. It tells the story of how far and wide people spread, how slowly they return, how many never return and some of the things they go through. Note too that the wealthy return much faster than the poor, many who don't want to go back but many others just can't afford to. There is no one place that can take everyone in need. FEMA bused people across the country with many to Memphis and others to Salt Lake City. Perhaps some will come to your hometown. Make sure you welcome them.

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2015...bout-where-katrina-survivors-ended-up/401216/

 

[BruceK]

Like Peter and Brian,we Aussie TFers are thinking of you and your fellow countrymen. NSW state is usually not affected by cyclones, but in their state, Queensland, they know cyclones.
I hope everyone is as safe as can be.

 

[Seevee]

Wifey B: I'm just tired of the platitudes. Let someone at a lower level speak who actually knows what is going on. I'm sure after this, like every storm, we'll hear complaints about the President. We'll hear complaints about FEMA. We'll hear complaints about the insurers. Maybe if they did a bit better PR job it would reduce that and by PR I don't mean nebulous statements. I mean sharing what is already underway and what to expect. Sometimes it's best to not share what's going on behind the scenes. I don't think this is one of those time. The more you share, the sooner, the smoother it will go.

BandB,

I feel your frustrations, and I feel the same way. We often never get to hear from the lower lever so never know what's really going on. Occasionally some newscaster shoves a mic in their face but not often. The news is distorting the facts so we get what they want us to know.

As for FEMA, I know one of the high ups there and the info from him indicated that they were very inefficient, political and not cost effective..... and often late to help. But they do a lot.... just after the fact.

Seems like the locals do most of the work and are quick to respond. They are the real heroes that we never hear about.

 

[SeaRanger83]

Wishing you and your boat safety through this awful hurricane!

 

[Baker]

Lots of heroes out there today. Much like New York after 9/11, people are running TOWARDS the mayhem and not away. So many have lost so much. I just hope we all can keep it in perspective that it is our lives that matter. And I know many people that have lost everything....and they are immediately humbled. They are not sad. That will come later. They are happy to be alive.

Anyway, I am fine. I guess there is a psychological condition where I feel guilty because I am not heavily impacted. I am on a friend's couch. My house is ok I think just no power. My girlfriends house we do not know. It likely got water in it. The boat is ok but no power and the fridge is running. So at some point the batteries will drain or I will swim or boat out to it to start the generator and/or empty the fridge. First world problems compared to others.

Sadly, the models that were showing the thing moving offshore and then returning to Houston are looking like that may come to fruition. I have never prayed for a direct hit from a tropical system...we just can't handle the dirty side again. And that is what is supposed to happen.

Just rambling here. I'm tired. Haven't slept much. Probably won't for awhile. But we are blessed.

One of the things that defines Texas and Texans is something Davy Crockett said while going to help at the Alamo:
"You may go to hell....but I'm going to Texas!"....pretty much sums it up!!!

Thank y'all for all the love and support. It really does mean a lot. Because in the end, that's all we got!!! And keep the prayers up for the people in Rockport and Port Aransas and in the Coastal Bend. Those places got basically destroyed. And the media has already forgot about them.

 

[Baker]

This is my dock at my marina. "Clear Lake" is neither clear nor a lake. It is actually Clear Creek. And much of the footage you have seen is this Creek that is about 10 feet above flood stage. While this is definitely tidal waters, this is not tide. This is flood water. Anyway, that is normally a parking lot where you simply walk to your dock.

 

[FF]

"Wishing you and your boat safety through this awful hurricane!"

His boat is safe in FL in a hurricane hole .

 

[what_barnacles]

wow and here I was thinking "what a nothing burger". Of course being from florida I have seen many hurricanes and tasted actual hot sauce too. It must be really bad on the other side of clear lake.

We will see how it goes in a couple of days.

 

[BandB]

I guess there is a psychological condition where I feel guilty because I am not heavily impacted. .

I think we all feel various forms of that. I know, yesterday, we all were having a difficult time enjoying ourselves while seeing so many suffering so badly. Sadly, some human suffering hits closer to home than other because there are so many around the world who suffer through horrors every day.

So many emotions for those in the area. Relief to be safe, guilt that they are. Concern for others. Then the one about to hit them all is just complete mental and physical exhaustion. Late last night you could see it just starting to hit so many and then to realize that's just after the first day.

 

[cardude01]

"Wishing you and your boat safety through this awful hurricane!"

His boat is safe in FL in a hurricane hole .

If I tied it up correctly! [emoji30]

 

[FoxtrotCharlie]

Wifey B:

Here's an article about the plights of people after Katrina. .....

"Hurricane Katrina made landfall in the city of New Orleans on the morning of August 29, 2005..."

Interesting article, but incorrect first line. Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi coast with a surge over 20ft. Total destruction for miles inland. New Orleans had minor damage from the winds, and very little surge. It was the heavy rains that broke the levees in NO, but MS took the brunt of the storm. But little press, as we went to work and took care of ourselves and each other, rather than waiting for FEMA.

 

[Bigsfish]

FC

"little press, as we went to work and took care of ourselves and each other, rather than waiting for FEMA."

The same was true of the flooding in the Midwest a few years back which is what Americans do, take care of themselves instead of waiting for some government agency which may or may no come for various reasons.

 

[Group9]

I can but echo Pete's comments.

However, one thing I have noticed. Folks affected still need help in the weeks, and months, after the floods have receded and the news/talking heads have lost interest. At those times people that are impacted can really struggle. It then that you/we can really help them get back on track a little bit.
.

So true. A month from now, the media will have forgotten this ever happened, and along with them, most of the rest of the country. We got 23 feet of water in our home from Katrina (in Pass Christian, MS). Ad noted above, the media actually thought Katrina landed in New Orleans. It didn't. It landed a few miles from my house, so I'm pretty sure about that. In one news report, their map actually left out the state of Mississippi and had Alabama and Louisiana joined together. The reporter pointed to where Mississippi should be and referred to it as the land mass between Louisiana and Alabama. So, they didn't waste any time in forgetting about us!!


Here was our time table to recovery.
Aug. 29, 2005 - flooded. Family living with relatives 180 miles away. I, as a first responder, sleeping on an air mattress on the ground
September 10 or so. I actually get a trailer to sleep in, agency provided, not FEMA
January 10, 2006 - electrical power restored to our neighborhood, moved our non-FEMA trailer and RV into front yard. Family returns. Repairs start on house.
July, 2006 - Repairs completed, moved into house, removed trailers and RV.
Spring 2007 - telephone service (landline) restored.

The other component is the mental health issues that often take years to surface. In 2008, my parish priest told me he had had to deal with more parishioner suicides in 2006 and 2007, than in his entire twenty five year career.

The don't call it "post" traumatic shock, for nothing.

We watch the news reports from Texas and we think back to what it is like to have a ruined house full of wet, rotting and mildewing stuff, with your whole neighborhood, and town, destroyed, and wondering how you are ever going to get your life back, and I feel so sorry for these folks.

 

[BandB]

Wifey B: Although it often want be recognized as such, a huge number of people will suffer from PTSD after this. Most of them will also get no counseling or help with it. That includes many kids who really won't grasp the impact on themselves for years.

 

[greysailor]

Update from the eye of Harvey.....
We made it through the landfall and surge fine both boat and home.
Now......they announced at midnight that they're opening Colorado River floodgates in Austin and will put 10' of water in Bay City (Matagorda County seat) and Matagorda tomorrow. Needless to say this wipes out the County services for the entire county. They are bussing out entire town and surrounding areas. I talked to county overnight and concensus is that our home will be right on the edge of the projected flooding. We are going to stay now that we have power restored and additional food from neighbors that are evacuating. We have lots of gas for generator if we loose power again.
See y'all on the other side of this mess!

 

[healhustler]

OMG. Just when you think you might be over the hump, wham!

 

[sbu22]

FEMA .... very inefficient, political and not cost effective....

So right your friend is, SeeVee. The fundamental flaw with FEMA is that the organization is structurally incapable of conducting first responder operations - although, at every opportunity, they attempt to interject themselves and their "rules" into the ER equation.

They should stand back, administer Stafford Act funds to support ER, and wait until the event stabilizes before becoming actively involved in the recovery (not the ER) process.

There are actually some pretty good people in FEMA below the political hack level, if you can find them. Most "FEMA" personnel you deal with aren't FEMA - they're independent subcontractors working through job shops to the "prime" Beltway contractors like AECOM and KBR. In many cases, these people are (I'll be generous) marginally qualified for the position. I've always wondered who has the time to take off to show up on a moment's notice to a distant location for week to week employment? Only the best and the brightest, I'm sure. The faster any FEMA issue gets resolved, the quicker they have to go back where they came from. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success.

 

[sbu22]

My thoughts and wishes to all of you in the "zone." If there is any bright side, you have and will see and experience myriad acts of bravery and kindness from your fellow ordinary man (in the true sense of the word - means women, too) that will bring tears to your eyes.

It's hard to sit through. My sons in Houston talked me down from heading over to assist Friday night - they said kind things, but I think the message was "we don't need an old fart to keep track of in addition to our families." Probably correct. Ouch!

Stay safe - this, too, shall pass.

 

[Seevee]

FEMA .... very inefficient, political and not cost effective....

So right your friend is, SeeVee. The fundamental flaw with FEMA is that the organization is structurally incapable of conducting first responder operations - although, at every opportunity, they attempt to interject themselves and their "rules" into the ER equation.

They should stand back, administer Stafford Act funds to support ER, and wait until the event stabilizes before becoming actively involved in the recovery (not the ER) process.

There are actually some pretty good people in FEMA below the political hack level, if you can find them. Most "FEMA" personnel you deal with aren't FEMA - they're independent subcontractors working through job shops to the "prime" Beltway contractors like AECOM and KBR. In many cases, these people are (I'll be generous) marginally qualified for the position. I've always wondered who has the time to take off to show up on a moment's notice to a distant location for week to week employment? Only the best and the brightest, I'm sure. The faster any FEMA issue gets resolved, the quicker they have to go back where they came from. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success.

SBU,

That was my friends assessment and he was totally frustrated. He left FEMA after the 4 hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004, Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Thru those hurricanes, I lived in a boarded up house where I took care of a few trailer friends whose home were not inhabitable. I'd meet with my friend occasional and talk "hurricanes"..... Charlie was nasty, but the other three were "survivable" and didn't cause a ton of damage.

However Texas is getting clobbered and hope they get all the help they need... but I'm sure it will take time.

One issue, and I'm not blaming anyone, but a lot of folks never prepare a bit and wonder why it's so bad. Heck, it's bad even if prepared. During our 2004 hurricanes, we had a good neighborhood where we all got everyone prepared.... I drove to HD and got truck loads of lumber and supplies, and not 2 days before.... it was 5 days before, and I was out of town when Charlie came, but it missed us. However, the prep paid of for the next three.

I wish everyone the best.