Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:02 AM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
This is bad. UPDATE 02-16-21
Internet is very spotty, but I have a little right now, so I thought I would update the Lounge.
We made it through the night. Still no power. No running water. We have food and bottled water. The minivan is keeping us warm. We have 3/4 of a tank of gas. We’re bored but safe for the moment. Lots of snow expected tomorrow. We won’t be above freezing until Friday. Thank you all for the thoughts, suggestions, and good vibes. -Laelth
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98 replies, 14070 views
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Author | Time | Post |
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Laelth | Feb 2021 | OP |
blm | Feb 2021 | #1 | |
Irish_Dem | Feb 2021 | #2 | |
dixiechiken1 | Feb 2021 | #3 | |
FM123 | Feb 2021 | #4 | |
HUAJIAO | Feb 2021 | #5 | |
Walleye | Feb 2021 | #6 | |
abqtommy | Feb 2021 | #7 | |
UpInArms | Feb 2021 | #8 | |
niyad | Feb 2021 | #9 | |
Hela | Feb 2021 | #10 | |
TryLogic | Feb 2021 | #14 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #40 | |
world wide wally | Feb 2021 | #11 | |
kag | Feb 2021 | #59 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #61 | |
Wounded Bear | Feb 2021 | #12 | |
Silver Gaia | Feb 2021 | #13 | |
Lonestarblue | Feb 2021 | #15 | |
Ferrets are Cool | Feb 2021 | #16 | |
ancianita | Feb 2021 | #17 | |
judesedit | Feb 2021 | #18 | |
Tumbulu | Feb 2021 | #19 | |
gademocrat7 | Feb 2021 | #20 | |
gademocrat7 | Feb 2021 | #21 | |
CaptainTruth | Feb 2021 | #22 | |
Stuart G | Feb 2021 | #23 | |
jmbar2 | Feb 2021 | #24 | |
mountain grammy | Feb 2021 | #25 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #26 | |
Laura PourMeADrink | Feb 2021 | #27 | |
Lithos | Feb 2021 | #45 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #46 | |
Lithos | Feb 2021 | #47 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #73 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #76 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #82 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #97 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #98 | |
wnylib | Feb 2021 | #77 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #84 | |
wnylib | Feb 2021 | #91 | |
Clearly fogged in | Feb 2021 | #81 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #86 | |
Mersky | Feb 2021 | #49 | |
Laura PourMeADrink | Feb 2021 | #53 | |
Mersky | Feb 2021 | #58 | |
IaDemInTN | Feb 2021 | #28 | |
niyad | Feb 2021 | #41 | |
IaDemInTN | Feb 2021 | #95 | |
Delphinus | Feb 2021 | #93 | |
IaDemInTN | Feb 2021 | #96 | |
Karadeniz | Feb 2021 | #29 | |
summer_in_TX | Feb 2021 | #34 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #48 | |
Rorey | Feb 2021 | #66 | |
Peacetrain | Feb 2021 | #30 | |
Fla Dem | Feb 2021 | #31 | |
Greybnk48 | Feb 2021 | #32 | |
BobTheSubgenius | Feb 2021 | #33 | |
cate94 | Feb 2021 | #35 | |
liberalla | Feb 2021 | #36 | |
summer_in_TX | Feb 2021 | #37 | |
FailureToCommunicate | Feb 2021 | #38 | |
Solly Mack | Feb 2021 | #39 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #54 | |
LuvNewcastle | Feb 2021 | #42 | |
TheBlackAdder | Feb 2021 | #43 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #51 | |
TheBlackAdder | Feb 2021 | #55 | |
Laelth | Feb 2021 | #57 | |
marlakay | Feb 2021 | #44 | |
pandr32 | Feb 2021 | #50 | |
Mersky | Feb 2021 | #52 | |
matt819 | Feb 2021 | #56 | |
Mr.Bill | Feb 2021 | #60 | |
Joinfortmill | Feb 2021 | #62 | |
c-rational | Feb 2021 | #63 | |
BelieveCassandra | Feb 2021 | #64 | |
lunatica | Feb 2021 | #65 | |
JackHughes | Feb 2021 | #67 | |
wnylib | Feb 2021 | #78 | |
Mersky | Feb 2021 | #68 | |
malaise | Feb 2021 | #69 | |
SheltieLover | Feb 2021 | #70 | |
MustLoveBeagles | Feb 2021 | #71 | |
Bayard | Feb 2021 | #72 | |
Generic Brad | Feb 2021 | #74 | |
GeorgeGist | Feb 2021 | #75 | |
smirkymonkey | Feb 2021 | #79 | |
TigressDem | Feb 2021 | #80 | |
marble falls | Feb 2021 | #83 | |
mzmolly | Feb 2021 | #85 | |
nocoincidences | Feb 2021 | #87 | |
Clearly fogged in | Feb 2021 | #88 | |
JudyM | Feb 2021 | #89 | |
Aussie105 | Feb 2021 | #90 | |
yokbizzi | Feb 2021 | #92 | |
marmar | Feb 2021 | #94 |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:04 AM
Irish_Dem (25,238 posts)
2. Thank God you made it through the night!
Bored and safe is good news.
Stay safe! |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:05 AM
dixiechiken1 (2,002 posts)
3. Thanks for the update.
So very glad to know you are safe. Hoping the cold snap passes soon so you & your daughter can get some relief.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:07 AM
FM123 (9,615 posts)
4. Laeith, so relieved to hear from you.
Please know that we are thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. Sending you hugs too
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:07 AM
HUAJIAO (2,093 posts)
5. Glad you are safe. Hope you stay that way.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:10 AM
Walleye (15,668 posts)
6. Very good. Hang in there. It's all about survival
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:13 AM
abqtommy (14,118 posts)
7. Glad to hear you're safe. Your DU family is concerned for you.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:13 AM
UpInArms (50,279 posts)
8. Hang in there
Wish I could send you some warmth.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:16 AM
niyad (88,210 posts)
9. Thank goodness!! We have all been so worried. Continuing vibes for your continuing safety.
Check in when you can.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:16 AM
Hela (294 posts)
10. IMPORTANT TIP!
If you are running your van outside to stay warm and it starts snowing, make sure you go out and clear the exhaust area so that it isn't blocked by snow. You want to make sure you don't get carbon monoxide backing up into the vehicle.
Hope you can continue to stay warm. Be safe! |
Response to Hela (Reply #10)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:33 AM
TryLogic (1,643 posts)
14. And, of course, don't run it in the garage.
Use lots of blankets.
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Response to Hela (Reply #10)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:17 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
40. Tip received. Thank you.
-Laelth
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:17 AM
world wide wally (21,023 posts)
11. I hope your daughter is ok.
How old is she?
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Response to world wide wally (Reply #11)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:24 PM
kag (3,802 posts)
59. If I'm remembering right...
She's an adult, but somewhat disabled.
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Response to world wide wally (Reply #11)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:36 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
61. She turns 21 in March.
She’s got poor vision (can’t drive), but, otherwise, she’s healthy and smart.
-Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:22 AM
Wounded Bear (51,325 posts)
12. Good to hear from you! Best of luck!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:24 AM
Silver Gaia (4,185 posts)
13. Happy you are safe!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:35 AM
Lonestarblue (5,830 posts)
15. What good news!
I hope they get your power back on soon.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:36 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,165 posts)
16. Thank you so much for this update
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:37 AM
ancianita (27,295 posts)
17. Glad you're okay. The days will drag, but it will be over so you can finally rest.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:39 AM
judesedit (2,789 posts)
18. God bless you, Laelth. Yay, mini van! I'm worried about my neice and family in Austin
Literally just moved there last week from Florida. They have no vehicle. SO's 2019 Toyota Tacoma wouldn't start, so they had it towed to shop. ??? New house. Contractor told them not to worry about pipes, they were insulated. Guess what? They have a burst pipe. They even have a generator. It worked for 20 minutes and died. They have a 5 year old. They have a grill and little food. I'm informed they were hunkered down last night. More precipitation anticipated over the next 2 days. I hope their new neigbbors, Sheriff's Office, FEMA, someone can help them get warmed up, get enough food and charge their phones, so they can let us know they're ok.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:41 AM
Tumbulu (5,868 posts)
19. Wishing you safety and warmth
Know that we love and care about you❤️❤️❤️
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:45 AM
gademocrat7 (9,317 posts)
20. Glad to know you and your daughter are ok.
Take care and stay safe.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
gademocrat7 This message was self-deleted by its author.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:47 AM
CaptainTruth (4,732 posts)
22. Glad to hear you're ok!!! I'm sending warmth from Florida.
Stay safe!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:48 AM
Stuart G (34,429 posts)
23. Thanks for the update.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:56 AM
jmbar2 (3,487 posts)
24. Thanks for the update
You were on my mind last nite. Glad you made it, but sounds like it will be a hard few days.
One day, your daughter will regale her grandkids about this event like the stories of folks who crossed the plains in covered wagons. Stay safe and keep in touch. Continuing to send warm thoughts your way. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:56 AM
mountain grammy (24,466 posts)
25. Thanks for the update.. stay safe.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:58 AM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
26. Thanks for checking in.
I'm glad you're safe.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:00 PM
Laura PourMeADrink (38,701 posts)
27. Wow... We haven't lost power at all in central TX
Is it imposed? Or lines down?
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Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Reply #27)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:44 PM
Lithos (25,942 posts)
45. Imposed
By Ercot, the state grid mgmt agency. The outage is from lack of oversight and preparedness over the other utilities. Things like winterization of essential equipment was never required and outside of a few utilities never performed. Every time the grid has tried to be brought up, various components fail and we are back to square one.
This is a classic case of hubris meeting business profit greed to the detriment of the public And greetings from South Austin - going on 35 hours of no power. Was colder than expected last night, hit 4 before windchill. 6" of snow and expecting more. House is in the 40's. And lest haters question.. I am in the car listening to news and charging phones |
Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Reply #27)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:46 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
46. State-mandated power allocation.
It is NOT an issue of lines being down. The State has taken control of the power grid and is allocating electricity as it sees fit.
If you don’t have power, it’s because you are low priority. -Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Reply #46)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:50 PM
Lithos (25,942 posts)
47. For explanation to those not in Austin
Downtown remains lit up like a Christmas tree. Plus almost of the high end sub divisions maintained power.
On edit: Laelth, keep strong we will get through this |
Response to Laelth (Reply #46)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 08:47 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
73. That sounds criminal.
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Response to mzmolly (Reply #73)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:30 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
76. Quite the contrary.
It’s perfectly legal because it’s a state agency that is doing it.
![]() -Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Reply #76)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:29 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
82. Horrible. We have a cold weather
rule in MN. It's illegal to cut off a primary heat source between October and April. Though we didn't always have such laws.
How are you and your daughter doing tonight? |
Response to mzmolly (Reply #82)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 11:36 AM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
97. I posted an update this morning.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181471625
Thank you, so much, for checking up on us. ![]() -Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Reply #97)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 06:54 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
98. Thanks for keeping
us posted, Laelth.
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Response to mzmolly (Reply #73)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:46 PM
wnylib (13,151 posts)
77. It would be in NY. Here, even if
someone is behind in their utility payments, it is illegal to turn off heat and electricity during the winter months.
Texas sounds absolutely barbaric. |
Response to wnylib (Reply #77)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:33 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
84. Same in MN.
I agree.
![]() Granted before laws were written to protect Minnesotans - people did suffer and worse. |
Response to mzmolly (Reply #84)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 04:23 AM
wnylib (13,151 posts)
91. That"s the reason for the law.
People froze to death without heat. Often, the ones who were behind in payments were seniors on fixed incomes who were balancing higher winter utility payments with the costs of expensive meds. Or they were younger people just too poor to afford the higher bills in winter.
There is also a "code blue" heated shelter system here for homeless people when temps get below freezing. |
Response to mzmolly (Reply #73)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:29 PM
Clearly fogged in (1,656 posts)
81. Everything can gave a worse choice.
Republicans in Texas made many. This is how we pay.
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Response to Clearly fogged in (Reply #81)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:39 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
86. Assholes.
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Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Reply #27)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:58 PM
Mersky (4,903 posts)
49. Am curious. Where are you in central Texas?
We’ve been without power for 31 hours in East Austin. My Williamson county folks have lost power for many hours at a time.
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Response to Mersky (Reply #49)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:03 PM
Laura PourMeADrink (38,701 posts)
53. In Waco. Yes, read how Austin screwed up and couldnt
Figure out how to do or undo "rolling"? Left 40k without?
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Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Reply #53)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:13 PM
Mersky (4,903 posts)
58. It's more of a big fat FAIL from ERCOT allocations to municipalities
Austin perhaps did turn down too much initially, then not be able to actually roll the blackouts. There’s equipment failure along the way. Williamson county is significantly powered by Perdenales Electric Co-op, so why some areas can roll blackouts, while others experience little outage is not explained by one city’s utilities. Is an ERCOT driven clusterf’ck.
Eta: oh, and they started the statewide ‘rolling’ blackouts too late, cuz they can’t think ahead for crap. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:02 PM
IaDemInTN (3 posts)
28. Hello, Laelth, I am brand new here on DU as of today, but
you truly have my best wishes. I really wish you were closer to us (TN) as we have a small guest house with propane heat and plenty of electricity/hot water you would be welcome to use as long as you want! Please stay safe! And if you can get here, we'll leave the light on for ya!
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Response to IaDemInTN (Reply #28)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:21 PM
niyad (88,210 posts)
41. Welcome to our DU family.
Response to niyad (Reply #41)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 10:19 AM
IaDemInTN (3 posts)
95. Thank you!
Where I retired (long story) I am surrounded by Trumpists, so it's so nice to be here!
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Response to IaDemInTN (Reply #28)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 07:55 AM
Delphinus (9,842 posts)
93. Welcome to DU!
What a lovely invitation you offered.
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Response to Delphinus (Reply #93)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 10:30 AM
IaDemInTN (3 posts)
96. Thank you!
I am so happy to be among you! It is so distressing to see people going through this storm with no utilities!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:03 PM
Karadeniz (16,460 posts)
29. Laelth's life sounds like ours. We have several members in Texas. I'm sure we're all in the same
Boat! This, too, shall pass! We heard...unreliable source...that the state was managing a rolling blackout and that's what its been like here in rural central Texas....one or two hours of electricity, then long blocks of nothing. We get the house toasty and that has to last during the outage. Out here in the boonies, always subject to temporary loss of electricity, we keep used up kitty litter pails full of water and park them in the bathrooms, so we always have flushable toilets.
But, one of our dearest friends lives in Kyle, between Austin and San Antonio...alone, but with her dog. This woman would win the Kindest Heart in the World award, in spite of every part of her body having incapacitating problems. She has vertigo always, now needs a walker. We heard from her that she'd had 24 hrs of no electricity. Now that made me mad! A consolation for this was thinking that our lack of electricity was helping others who needed it. But she wasn't getting any and that's so wrong. Take care, everyone! |
Response to Karadeniz (Reply #29)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:43 PM
summer_in_TX (1,617 posts)
34. Reports of rolling blackouts have been far too rosy.
KUT-Austin, the area NPR affiliate, reported this morning that ERCOT, the energy reliability Council of Texas, said that they are worried about the grid and that what was supposed to be rolling blackouts are being extended for hours and even days In some places.
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Response to summer_in_TX (Reply #34)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:51 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
48. Rolling blackouts started here, Van Zandt County, at 2AM yesterday.
Last edited Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:34 PM - Edit history (1) Power went out at 5:27 AM yesterday, and returned for about 15 minutes at 8:30 AM. Then we went 18 hours without any power at all. Power came back at 3 AM and lasted until 4:04. Seven and a half hours later, at 11:30 AM today, electricity returned. It remains on now (12:34 PM). No clue hope long it will last.
-Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Reply #48)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 06:52 PM
Rorey (8,003 posts)
66. I'm SO relieved that you're okay
This whole thing is just ridiculous! I wish there was something we could do to help.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:13 PM
Peacetrain (21,624 posts)
30. Dear Laelth.. just caught this.. had no idea you were in the middle of that mess
I keep watching the TV and seeing all the stories about how hard Texas is hit.. Keeping all of you in our thoughts..
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:21 PM
Fla Dem (19,598 posts)
31. How absolutely terrifying for you.
May you and your family stay safe until and after the weather improves.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:22 PM
Greybnk48 (9,606 posts)
32. I'm sending all the good vibes I have!
I know I'm not the only one who had trouble sleeping last night thinking of you and other friends inTexas and other States that are in this desperate situation. Help will be there asap. Bank on it.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:24 PM
BobTheSubgenius (11,197 posts)
33. Fantastic news to hear!
Onward and upward from here!!!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:43 PM
cate94 (2,180 posts)
35. Glad that you are safe.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:44 PM
liberalla (7,339 posts)
36. Thanks for checking in. I've been thinking of you!
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:45 PM
summer_in_TX (1,617 posts)
37. Oh thank God!
Thank you for checking in and letting us know you are safe. We have been so worried.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:03 PM
FailureToCommunicate (13,090 posts)
38. Hang in there. My son & fianc are near Dallas and they had to evacuate their apartment...
building due to flooding from frozen pipes (flooding and frozen pipes in other units).
And no one had power for lights or heat because of the "rolling blackouts"... that don't seem to be rolling. They sat in their cars last night trying to stay warm (aware of the danger of exhaust gas). The notion of going to warming centers is fraught with it's own peril these days with the pandemic, so that's not a great option. It's a crumby situation. We're hoping that their coping skills are sufficient to get thru this. Unfortunately, the weather prediction is for more ice and snow and below freezing temps for the next several days. Yikes. Ironically, parts of New England are above normal temps. Also, our buildings and houses are built to somewhat better deal with extreme cold. So sorry for all of you having to go thru this bizarre cold weather. -FTC |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:12 PM
Solly Mack (86,859 posts)
39. Keep us posted as much as possible.
Thank you for letting us know how y'all are doing.
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Response to Solly Mack (Reply #39)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:03 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
54. I will--internet permitting. n/t
![]() -Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:25 PM
LuvNewcastle (15,384 posts)
42. I hope your fortunes change soon.
Sounds like you can't catch a break right now. Sounds like you might have to go to a shelter if you run out of gas and the power doesn't come back on. I wouldn't want to be in a shelter right now, either, but I think that might be your best option, if there is a shelter in your town.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:29 PM
TheBlackAdder (23,751 posts)
43. Were you able to drain your pipes so they don't freeze?
Response to TheBlackAdder (Reply #43)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:01 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
51. Yes. I got the trailer dry prior to the freeze.
I am not expecting any burst pipes. Many of my neighbors will not be so lucky.
-Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Reply #51)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:05 PM
TheBlackAdder (23,751 posts)
55. The next thing is to keep snow and ice away so there isn't any heaving that could stress caulk.
Response to TheBlackAdder (Reply #55)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:08 PM
Laelth (32,013 posts)
57. Right. n/t
![]() -Laelth |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:41 PM
marlakay (9,947 posts)
44. My daughter in San Antonio her husband
Two teenagers and 2 dogs are in her SUV right now keeping warm, they just filled up with gas.
She was tired of freezing in her house. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:59 PM
pandr32 (9,046 posts)
50. Thanks for the update
So glad you are okay, so far.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:02 PM
Mersky (4,903 posts)
52. Glad to hear y'all are making it through
We’re in it with you and will keep making things work.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:08 PM
matt819 (10,500 posts)
56. Glad you're safe
I second the suggestion by another poster about looking at homeless shelters. Covid aside, I know that this is a tough step for people to take. (I have volunteered with a local shelter for 6 years and I've talked to people about the emotional barrier to taking this step.)
Add in the Covid consideration, and I can understand the reluctance to taking this route. That said, I would assume that shelters throughout Texas are bursting, and you've probably looked into this anyway. In any case, here's the number in Van Zandt Country. EDGEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY 108 Cedar Street Edgewood, TX 75117 (903) 896-4655 Are churches reaching out? Good luck. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:33 PM
Mr.Bill (17,033 posts)
60. Glad to hear you're safe.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Good thoughts are sent your way.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:40 PM
Joinfortmill (6,891 posts)
62. Said another prayer.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:50 PM
c-rational (2,160 posts)
63. More positive vibes to you and yours Laelth. You've got this. Stay positive.
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:53 PM
BelieveCassandra (39 posts)
64. Fingers crossed that the electricity stays on.
VZ County seems to be totally shut down. I left a message with the County Commissioners suggesting that they post information
about where to find temporary shelter. From a power outage report it looks like there are a few thousand people with no electricity. Take care and glad you are ok. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 05:43 PM
lunatica (53,098 posts)
65. Thanks really good news
I’m relieved that you’re OK.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 06:56 PM
JackHughes (166 posts)
67. Over 36 Hours freezing in the dark in West Harris County (Houston)
This is a catastrophic infrastructure failure made inevitable by Republican "governance," i.e., de-regulation of public utilities so that operators spend the least amount of money and never have to plan for a worst-case scenario -- as we are seeing now.
Republican governance always leads to disasters. What is untold human misery as long as campaign donors make a few extra millions? |
Response to JackHughes (Reply #67)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:08 PM
wnylib (13,151 posts)
78. I just heard on NPR that body trucks
are being brought in for people who freeze to death.
There need to be some unlawful death suits brought against the utility company or state organization that decides who gets heat and who doesn't. Actually, they should be criminally charged, too. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 07:11 PM
Mersky (4,903 posts)
68. 39 hours in Austin without electricity
And the cold is starting to get to me in a new way. One block of 2-4 hours ahead of the ice that’s coming tonight was just too much for Texas to provide help to the neighborhoods in the state’s Capitol?
We’re okay enough at my house, but it’s very draining. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 07:23 PM
malaise (245,805 posts)
69. Stay safe Laelth
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 08:00 PM
SheltieLover (42,125 posts)
70. Good vibes on the way!
Not sure where you are, but I sure hope things get fixed quickly!
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 08:15 PM
MustLoveBeagles (10,406 posts)
71. I'm glad you're both okay
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 08:34 PM
Bayard (15,182 posts)
72. Oh, good!
Thinking about you when seeing the horrible mess in Texas.
Stay safe and warm!! |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 08:53 PM
Generic Brad (13,738 posts)
74. Make sure your tailpipe doesn't get covered by snow
And crack a window when you run your engine. Carbon monoxide is sneaky and can overwhelm you without warning.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 09:39 PM
GeorgeGist (24,678 posts)
75. So good to hear.
May the good vibes carry on.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:15 PM
smirkymonkey (63,221 posts)
79. So sorry to hear of your difficulty Laelth.
Just remember to layer to stay warm. That is the best thing you can do. Air between the layers is the best insulater and will keep you warm until the weather gets better. You can always remove layers if you get too warm, but it's hard to warm up if your body temp drops too low.
I know, I am from way upstate NY where it used to get down to 40 or 50 below, and our pipes would freeze and the furnace would kick out. We learned how to keep warm in the harshest weather. Best to you and your daughter! We are all thinking of you! Hey, people, can we think of some good things for Laelth and his daughter to do to keep them from getting bored, assuming they have nothing else to amuse them? I had a long work day, so I am a bit tired out, but I know there are all kinds of games that you only need your mind for. |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:24 PM
TigressDem (2,604 posts)
80. Been thinking about you all day.
Glad you are still hanging in there.
Austin is more progressive than a lot of Texas. Do they have solar and wind power up anywhere? Ahhh.... FROZEN TURBINES are part of the problem... https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/02/14/historic-winter-storm-freezes-texas-wind-turbines-hampering-electric-generation/4483230001/ |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:31 PM
marble falls (45,684 posts)
83. Where are you?
Response to marble falls (Reply #83)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:36 PM
mzmolly (49,969 posts)
85. Laelth is in Texas.
Van Zandt County if I understand correctly.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:43 PM
nocoincidences (1,681 posts)
87. One day/night at a time.
Are there warming centers opening up near you? Use them as backup, respite to get through the next few days.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:47 PM
Clearly fogged in (1,656 posts)
88. Glad you're back up, per your reply 48
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 12:29 AM
JudyM (24,340 posts)
89. Hang in there, Laelth!
Sending warm feelings, hope that helps a bit.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 03:31 AM
Aussie105 (3,512 posts)
90. I can't imagine those conditions.
From the opposite end of the climate spectrum:
Adelaide, South Australia, 6 pm. Currently 38 degrees C, or 100 F. Same for the next 2 days. At least we have power, and dressing lightly, washing one's face often, cold water of course, then sit in front of the A/C, helps. Somewhere on this planet, the climate isn't trying to kill people. Wonder where? |
Response to Laelth (Original post)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 06:57 AM
yokbizzi (50 posts)
92. Use candle(s) to help keep you warm in the van.
One candle can heat a vehicle. Just have a window cracked a bit. We are snowed in here up in Canada but we are set up for it. Keep safe and warm. Best of luck.
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Response to Laelth (Original post)
Wed Feb 17, 2021, 09:50 AM
marmar (74,300 posts)
94. More good vibes Laelth.
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