Freak storms provide more life lessons...

Can't believe it's a week after the freak New England pre Halloween snow storm and some people still don't have power. After going 4 days without it during hurricane Irene, I feel badly for those people who probably don't have heat either. My parents fell into that category last weekend, luckily for only a short time but it's clear that we need to make some changes to help ourselves out.
What kind of changes? Several types both personal and community/government based.    Things like:

• Make sure you're as ready as possible for whatever challege comes next.  Maybe a generator if you can afford it and use it safely, lots of batteries and little lanterns to put them in (found some at Walmart and Christmas tree shops for less than $5 each),   a cheap radio (got one after Irene on Amazon for under $10 to hear what's going on), food that won't spoil and water for everyone,  a cell phone charger either for in the house with your battery operated radio or one for your car, and a back-up plan of someone's house (or hotel) you can go to if it's just too cold or you're just going too crazy without power.
• Get the trees cut down near you that overhang wires or let's nag National Grid or whoever the electric company is to do so.  I heard on the radio last night that it would be cheaper for them to cut the trees back than it is for all the money they've lost between people without power and paying people to fix the lines

Our times are full of unexpected situations lately and it's up to all of us to be as prepared as possible so utitlities and towns/cities/municipalities can take care of the people who are unable to do so themselves. 

We also must look out for each other as much as we can, even if it's inconvenient, even if we're busy, especially the elderly who may be unable (or too stubborn) to do so.  And not forget the people who still are without (power, heat, food) while we're basking in our electricity supplied technology trance...

Let's all do our part to be prepared and help each other out... as cliched (sp?) as it sounds, we're all on this ride together and it's a much better ride if we look out for our fellow travelers

PS...I'm beginning a tour of libraries this week doing a free one hour seminar sharing some tips on how to thrive in the crazy times we're living in.  Check the web site for locations near you at www.ThriveinRockyTimes.com .  Suitable for ages 13 and up.  Bristol RI is up first on Thursday November 10th at 7 pm at Rogers Free Library