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Saturday, August 27, 2011

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

cs21801 has left a new comment on your post "Is Mayor Ireton Completely Clueless? The Storm Is ...":

WBOC SHOULD BE ASHAMED! They have done nothing but scare old people for the past 3 days. Even now at 10:30 they are still trying to tell people 'the worst is still to come!' If you look at the reporting stations in Virginia Beach you see that the winds barely topped 35mph. Yet even knowing that they still trying to make out like a killer storm is going to hit at midnight.

We have had 2, count them TWO leaves blow off trees in the yard, OMG THE CARNAGE!! (this is north of Delmar)

Now certainly people in the coastal areas will have some flooding from all the rain, it's nothing to be running wall-to-wall news coverage over.

Maybe they use turn off some of the multi-million dollar weather equipment, and look out a window! Or at least get on the internet and look at one of the many weather enthusiast sites and follow the REAL history of this storm.

They just keep spewing the bogus information from the government (both National and Local) who need to a false crisis to seem important and overstep their authority.

Another Tornado In Wicomico County

Wicomico County seems to be the eye of the tiger lately.

Is Mayor Ireton Completely Clueless? The Storm Is Over Jim!

"I cannot stress the importance of residents remaining in place throughout the night and all day Sunday."

In a recent Press Release, Mayor Ireton announced the above quote, yet Governor O'Malley has pretty much stated, its over.

WHY does the Mayor want every one off the streets and NOT live a normal life? I think the power of becoming Mayor and telling an entire community to stay home for 1 1/2 days must just give him a woody.

Quit acting like a clown and grow the hell up. Maybe Mayor Ireton and Mayor Mehan want to spend the day trying to sober up from one hell of a hurricane party weekend!

O'Malley Confirms Salisbury News Tornado Announcements In Wicomico County

Soon after Salisbury News announced there were two tornado's that touched down in Wicomico County, Governor O'Malley stated they were in unpopulated areas and only caused damage in the woods.

O'Malley went on to explain that they fully expect the tide in Annapolis and Baltimore to pull out of those areas and NOT cause flooding as expected. We can probably expect the same here in Wicomico County.

Once again, Salisbury News called it and the MSM over exaggerated the "SEVERE Weather". Stick with Salisbury News, Delmarva's News Leader.

Hurricane Update, City Of Salisbury


City of Salisbury Emergency Operations Center met from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at Salisbury Fire Headquarters.

Weather update – impact is based on the current track of the storm. Tropical force winds with sustained winds of 45-55 mph with 55-65mph gusts. 5-10 inches of rain is expected.   The most intense part of the storm is expected from 8 pm-2 am Sunday morning. Storm surge has been reduced to 2-3 feet. Any change in the track of the storm will change the forecast and that news will be forthcoming.

Several street closures have gone into effect.  Due to high winds utility crews have been pulled from service creating a greater ETA for all requests.
The following road closure locations have been verified by City staff.  Work crews are awaiting verification from Delmarva Power that the downed lines have been de-energized.  These areas pose extreme danger and are to be avoided;   
-          North Division from Isabella to William
-          West Main to Germania Circle
-          Park Avenue and Oakdale Street
-          Isabella from North Division to Poplar Hill Avenue
Additional street closures may happen overnight without notice.

Police and fire crews have been staged in various, pre-designated operational zones throughout the City.  Personnel have staffed these areas for coordinated emergency response with The Maryland National Guard.  The Guard has 12 vehicles stationed in Salisbury: 4 EMS Humvees, 4 MP Humvees, and 4 Turtleback Humvees.  24 National Guard personnel are deployed in Salisbury under the leadership of Lt. Terri Davis.

Travel during current weather conditions poses an extreme risk to life and safety at this time.  Citizens are reminded that a Declaration of Civil Emergency remains in effect until 7 pm Sunday.

Mayor Ireton commented this evening, “We will know more in the morning, the situation that Hurricane Irene has left us.  The Salisbury Emergency Operations Center will meet again at 12 midnight tonight.  I cannot stress the importance of residents remaining in place throughout the night and all day Sunday.  The State of Emergency and Curfew will be lifted as soon as all federal, state, and local emergency officials have determined that general public places are safe.  If you have a hurricane emergency please contact the Wicomico County Hurricane Hotline at 410-548-9452.  Please stay safe.”

Salisbury Tornado

VERY COOL!

Our friend Rob sent in this beauty. We had been told there were two tornados in Wicomico County, one in Powellville and one in Salisbury.

UPDATE


As promised earlier, I went back to the City Park area to take pictures of what I feel is the most critical area in Salisbury.

The water is just getting ready to breach the banks and the current is just unbelievable. I followed the river all the way down to Riverside Drive. Wile on Riverside Drive I traveled the river about 2 miles and while the tide is higher than normal, I found no flooding as of yet.

Now, let me get to the heart of my travels. Folks, seriously, stay off the roads this evening. Most businesses with the exception to the Royal Farms on west bound Rt. 50 is closed.

The debris falling from trees is quite overwhelming and we haven't seen the worst of the winds by a long shot. On my way home there were barely any vehicles on the road and the sky was completely black, very eerie.

I should add, I didn't run into any flooding on the roads in Salisbury but as soon as I hit Memory Gardens Lane and the back roads there was standing water completely across the road and it hits you before you even know it.

That being said, I'd suggest every one stay put tonight and wait for daylight before considering getting on the road. Be safe, stay dry and have a peaceful evening.

Irene Storm Damage in Pocomoke,Maryland

Knocked the Power Out

Route 50 - Pittsville to Salisbury - No Traffic

Just drove out to see how things were looking and here's a shot of Route 50--absolutely nobody for miles. It's a rare sight to see the highway so empty.


Can You Figure Out What's Wrong With These Pictures?


Carnage In Delmar



Civic Center Has Over 500 temporary Residents And 55 Animals

As you can see from the parking lot, quite a few people have packed their things and relocated to the Civic Center to ride out the storm.

Linda Lugo from the Wicomico Humane Society is helping make the 55+ animals feel more at home.

More to come...

Centre At Salisbury Mall Closed Until 10 a.m. Monday

Mayor Jim Ireton has declared a Civil Emergency for the City of Salisbury.

The curfew will remain in effect until 7pm on Sunday. The Centre at Salisbury will remain closed until 10am on Monday. Keep checking this site and http://www.centreatsalisbury.com/ for additional updates.

Stay safe friends!

Hurricane Bulletin

Date: August 24, 2011
From: Wicomico County Emergency Management Services
Subject: Hurricane Threat
 
(FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION STATEWIDE)
 
This is a warning to all Maryland residents of a possible hurricane threat. The path of the impending hurricane Irene is still unclear and may be a threat to our state. Although meteorologists are predicting landfall somewhere on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, state emergency preparedness officials are making two basic but important points:
 
(1) There is no need to panic.

(2) We could all be killed.
 
Hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Maryland . If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one." Based on experience, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
 
STEP 1. Buy enough food, beer, and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.

STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.
 
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Maryland.
 
We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
 
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements:

(1) It is reasonably well-built, and
 
(2) It is located in Nebraska.
 
Unfortunately, if your home is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane George, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bubba and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bubba and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.
 
SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
 
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
 
Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.
 
Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
 
Hurricane-proof windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska .
 
Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc.. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.
 
EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says " Maryland," you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
 
HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Maryland tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.
 
In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
23 flashlights At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes off, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
 
Bleach. (We don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)
 
A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
 
A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
 
A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Hugo. After the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
 
$35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
 
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck, and remember: It's great living in Paradise (most of the time).

Its Time To Get A Little Worried

While it was announced earlier that I was traveling around Wicomico County today, (and I'll be doing more of it later) there was one particular location I had my mind set on and that's the image above.

For those of you who are not aware of what you're seeing, this is where the tidal and non tidal area is on the end of the Wicomico River at the City Park.

What concerns me is when the flow from the Zoo and Park become flush with the tidal waters from the River, you've got problems. At 2:15 PM today, the water was just about to crest and from this point forward you can expect serious flooding in the Zoo and the Park.

While we were standing on the bridge near the west entrance of the Zoo, within 15 minutes the current made a huge change for the worst and became more rapid.

So while every one is out duct taping their windows and putting up plywood, say a prayer for those animals at the Zoo because they are in more trouble that ANY one of you, by far. Remember, 100% of that Zoo is in a flood plane zone!

Who Do You Think Scored The Most Money During Hurricane Irene


I'd have to say, Home Depot. The stores looked and or were closed. The County Officials panicked way too early and the Main Stream Media, (MSM) once again convinced every one our world was about to end.

In the mean time, everybody and their brother raced to Home Depot for duct tape and plywood and right now Salisbury looks like Detroit.
If you disagree, who do you think made the most money from Irene locally?

West OC Home Depot

FYI. West OC Home Depot has hired a private security company to protect their assets with shotguns. Don’t know about the Salisbury one.

Publishers Note: No such thing going on in Salisbury.

Home Depot Has Re Stocked On Plywood But Is Still out Of Batteries

The Salisbury Home Depot just got in a major shipment of plywood, in case any of you are still scared to death this storm is going to blow out your windows and store fronts. First come, first served.


Do You Have Your Eastern Shore Hurricane Irene Survival Kit?

BREAKING NEWS: Top Al Qaeda Leader Killed In Pakistan

Al Qaeda's No. 2 Leader, Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, has been killed in Pakistan, U.S. official tells Fox News.

Wal-marts in Salisbury Closed




Both Wal-marts - North & South - have now closed. Although Sam's Club is still open - the shelves have been virtually cleared out. Sam's still has C Batteries - but all of their D batteries are sold-out.

Joe Albero is on site reporting LIVE in and around Salisbury.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Town of Princess Anne lost power at approximately 1:00 p. m. as reported by Joe Albero who is on location. We will keep you posted.

Bank Robbery, Shooting In Felton

Location: First National Bank of Wyoming, 105 Irish Hill Road, Felton, DE
 
Date of Occurrence: Friday, August 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m.
 
Victims: 
 
-53 year old female employee
-44 year old female employee
-52 year old female employee
-27 year old female employee
-41 year old female employee
-33 year old female employee
-50 year old female employee
-54 year old female employee
 
Defendant:
 
-Russell M. Grimes, 40, Wilmington, DE
 
Charges and Arraignment Information:
 
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Theft
-Aggravated Menacing (8 counts)
-Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony
-Criminal Impersonation
-Forgery Second Degree
 
-Arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the James Vaughn Correctional Institution for lack of $94,000.00 cash bail.
 
Suspect:    Black male, 6’00” tall, thin build, with a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and gray pants. This suspect may also be armed and should be considered dangerous.
 
Resume
Felton, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested one suspect and are looking for a second following a late afternoon bank robbery in Felton, DE yesterday.
 
The incident began at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 26, as a male suspect entered the First National Bank of Wyoming, located in the 100 block of Irish Hill Road, Felton. The suspect, who was displaying a handgun, jumped the bank teller’s counter and demanded money from their drawers. Once the suspect received an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled from the bank and was last seen entering the passenger side of a black SUV with a NJ registration. The SUV, later identified as a Ford Explorer, then fled and was last seen traveling westbound on Irish Hill Road. None of the bank employees were injured.
 
A general broadcast of the suspect vehicle was then transmitted to responding police units. As this occurred, an officer from the Harrington Police Department advised that he was currently directly behind the suspect vehicle. As other officers arrived in the area, the suspects realized that they were being followed. It was at this point that the suspect seated in the front passenger seat of the SUV began shooting at the pursuing patrol vehicles, striking three of them.
 
Officers from numerous police agencies including the Delaware State Police, Harrington Police Department, and the Felton Police Department, continued to pursue the suspect vehicle until it crashed into at ditch in the 500 block of Steele’s Ridge Road in Camden-Wyoming, DE. The suspects then fled from the vehicle on foot with the officers chasing them. At one point during the foot pursuit, a Delaware State Trooper discharged a round from his divisional issued weapon striking one of the suspects, later identified as Russell M. Grimes, in the lower portion of his body. Russell Grimes was then taken into custody. He was transported by EMS to the Kent General Hospital where he was treated and released for his injury.
 
A perimeter was then set up and a search of the area was conducted for the second suspect. The suspect was not located however, and after approximately four hours, the search was discontinued.
 
Russell Grimes was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of $94,000.00 cash bail.
 
The Trooper involved in this incident is a 16 year veteran of the Delaware State Police assigned to Troop 3, Dover. He has been placed on administrative duty as per departmental policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. 
 
 
Detectives are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).  Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Fallen Tree From Hurricane Irene Kills Man

Paramedics say a North Carolina man was killed outside his home by a tree limb blown from Hurricane Irene, as tropical storm conditions move into Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.
From Fox News

300 Residents Remain In Ocean City Ahead Of Irene

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) - Officials in a beach resort town on Maryland's Eastern Shore say hundreds of residents have ignored mandatory evacuation orders ahead of Irene.

Police in Ocean City said Saturday morning that some 300 of the city's 7,000 residents have stayed put. Some of those residents were making last minute preparations, such as moving cars to higher ground.

More

St. Johns United Methodist Church Closed

The St. Johns United Methodist Church in Fruitland will be closed tomorrow. There will be no service.

Ocean City Remains Under A Hurricane Warning & Tornado Watch


Ocean City continues to monitor Hurricane Irene after it made landfall earlier this morning near Cape Hatteras, NC. Ocean City remains under a hurricane warning and a tornado watch. The tornado watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday.

Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area this morning at 11 a.m. with storm force winds arriving around 5 p.m. and northeasterly hurricane force winds arriving near 9 p.m. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane Irene should occur near 1 a.m. Sunday, when top sustained winds, from the north, could reach 79 mph with gusts near 99 mph.

When sustained winds become 50 mph for 10 minutes or longer, emergency response will cease until conditions are deemed safe.

Hurricane Irene is currently projected to pass by Ocean City at approximately 2 to 3 a.m. Sunday. Winds should decrease below hurricane force shortly thereafter.

Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 9 a.m. Sunday and generally be from the north during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.

The total rainfall for the Ocean City area over the next three days is currently forecast to be 8 to 12 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict.

Emergency management officials report the evacuation of Ocean City on Friday went smoothly, with very few citizens electing to ignore warnings and remain in town.

The town’s emergency operations center is manned and will continue to monitor Hurricane Irene.

All incoming traffic to Ocean City, Maryland, continues to be limited to emergency personnel. No other vehicles will be permitted entry to the island, except by approved authority (Mayor, City Manager and Emergency Services Director).
Updated information will be posted on the Town’s website, www.oceancitymd.gov, the Emergency Services recorded information line at 410-723-6666, facebook.com/oceancity and on Twitter @ townofoceancity. You can receive our twitter messages via text on your smartphone! Text follow TownofOceanCity to 40404 in the United States.

Centre At Salisbury Officially Closed

The Centre made it official on their Facebook page at 4:30 this morning:

‎**Due to severe weather The Centre at Salisbury will be closed on Saturday, August 27th. Keep checking this site and www.centreatsalisbury.com for updates throughout the weekend. Stay safe!

WICOMICO COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS EVACUATION OF MOBILE HOME PARKS

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., today ordered an evacuation of the residents in the county’s 13 mobile home parks. Pollitt made the decision on the advice of local emergency and public works officials.

As Hurricane Irene approaches the area, the National Weather Service is predicting sustained wind speeds of 61 MPH with gusting to 72 MPH for today and early tomorrow. These conditions make mobile homes in the county particularly subject to damage because there is no tie-down requirement.

Pollitt said that most mobile home residents will receive a recorded phone message alerting them to the evacuation situation.

Pollitt issued an evacuation order yesterday for residents in certain low-lying segments of the county near the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. The same advice and procedure applies to evacuating mobile home residents. They should first seek shelter with a friend or relative. If this isn’t possible, the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center at 500 Glen Avenue in Salisbury is open as a shelter. Beds, blankets, food and accommodations for pets are available.

Pollitt urged that all residents visit the county website at http://www.wicomicocounty.org/ to view complete details about preparations for Hurricane Irene.

Ocean City Is Nearly Empty

Ocean City Braces For Irene

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ)– At a time of the year when Ocean City should be simply packed, it’s starting to look more like a ghost town. Gov. Martin O’Malley and its mayor issued mandatory evacuations off the island in wake of a powerful storm approaching the region.

Jessica Kartalija explains that the mayor wants everyone out of Ocean City.  Route 90 has already been shut down, as of Saturday morning.

Mass exodus.  Route 50 westbound is bumper to bumper while traffic headed toward the coast is met with a warning.

More

Kratovil Hired In Prince George’s County

Frank Kratovil, the Democrat who represented Maryland’s 1st Congressional District from 2009 through 2010, has taken a job with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, a spokesman for the office has confirmed.

Kratovil, a former Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney who recently has been working for a private law firm, will oversee homicide and major crimes and will try some cases, said the spokesman, Ramon Korionoff.

He will be sworn in Aug. 31.

In recent weeks, Kratovil has flirted with making another run for Congress in 2012. It’s unclear whether his decision to take the new job in Prince George’s County -- which is outside of the 1st District -- is an indication of that possibility looking less likely.

More

Pastor Who Conspired To Kill For Insurance Admits Targeting Others

Testimony comes during trial of his alleged accomplices

A Baltimore pastor who paid a hit man $50,000 in church funds to kill someone for life insurance payouts bought similar indemnity policies on his boyfriend when the pair were fighting, along with contracts on the man's mother and daughter, he testified Friday in city Circuit Court.

He canceled them after time, however, "because we were getting along," he said.
More

Hurricane Irene Expected To Hit Area Tonight

Hurricane Irene hit the North Carolina coast Saturday morning and took aim the Delmarva Peninsula - though forecasters believed it would stay just offshore.

Irene is slated to be felt here as a tropical storm, dumping between two and five inches or more of rain and stirring up winds from 35 to 45 mph with higher gusts when it rolls through tonight. A storm surge could cause problems for some living along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

With the storm on the way and hurricane warnings posted as close as Solomons Island in Calvert County local governments urged people in low lying areas of Anne Arundel to seek higher ground. Both County Executive John R. Leopold and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen on Friday each declared a state of emergency and asked residents in flood prone areas to seek shelter with friends and family until the storm blows through.

"We are expecting this storm to cause significant damage, including downed trees, damaged structures and flooding," Leopold said as he urged resident to seek higher ground.

More

Irene Weakens Slightly After Landfall

Hurricane-force winds and drenching rains from Irene battered the North Carolina coast early Saturday as the storm began its potentially catastrophic run up the Eastern Seaboard. More than 2 million people were told to move to safer places, and New York City ordered the nation's biggest subway system shut down for the first time because of a natural disaster.

More

Last-Minute Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Make sure you have these supplies before a hurricane hits!

It’s officially hurricane season and regardless of where you live, it’s best to be prepared. If you don’t have the basic supplies you would need in the event of an emergency, here is a list of what you should have to be prepared.

Essentials:-Water (one gallon per day per person)
-Food (non-perishable)
    - Keep foods around that are easy to prepare and do not require use of a stovetop oven, microwave or refrigerator, in case power goes out.
-One flashlight per person
-Candles
-Matches
-Batteries
-Extra medication
-First aid kit
-Important documents (passports, social security, birth certificates, insurance policies, deed/lease to home, proof of address, list of medications your family might need/take regularly)
-Extra cash
-Battery-powered or handcrank radio
-Manual can opener
-Emergency blanket

If you have a baby or small children:-Diapers
-Formula
-Wipes
-Bottles
-Games (puzzles, legos, blocks, boardgames)

For pets:-Food
-Leash
-Tags
-Carrier
-Leash
Other
-Plastic gloves
-Tools
-Rain gear
-Duct tape
-Scissors

Depending on the severity of the hurricane, have bags packed for you and your family in the event of an evacuation:
-Important documents (listed above)
-Warm clothing
-Extra shoes
-Extra underwear/socks
-Cell phone/extra battery
-Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste)
-Necessary medicine

For more information on disaster preparedness, go to http://www.redcross.org/

Half Of Hospitals Buy Back-Door Drugs, New Survey Shows

Desperation fueled by growing shortages creates demand for 'gray-market' suppliers

Amid growing reports of price-gouging for life-saving drugs, half of hospital officials said they’ve bought medications from back-door suppliers during recent drug shortages, a new survey shows.

Fifty-two percent of hospital purchasing agents and pharmacists reported they’d bought drugs from so-called “gray market” vendors during the previous two years, according to a just-released survey of 549 hospitals by the Institute for Safe Medication practices, an advocacy group.

Gray-market suppliers are those that operate outside official channels, often buying drugs from uncertain sources and reselling them at a steep profit. A report issued last week by a one hospital association found their average mark-up was 650 percent.

Pressures from demanding doctors and desperate patients helped fuel the transactions, making hospital staffers feel like they had no choice but to buy drugs in short supply at steep prices.

“Our physicians DO NOT want to hear that a drug is ‘unavailable,’” wrote one hospital pharmacist who submitted comments to the anonymous survey.

Hurricane Tracker

See current location, forecast path and detailed stats for any active hurricane this season

GO HERE

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 8-27-11


Settling Down in Salisbury

          When my grandfather finally arrived back in Salisbury in 1910, he never had a chance of leaving again. He married my grandmother in 1911 and began a life fighting prejudice and the establishment. As you can see by the picture of my grandmother, taken when she was just 16, a lot of men would suffer many indignities to win her heart. She was not only Catholic but Irish-Catholic at that. This was in an era when the Methodists and Baptists looked down upon anyone of any other faith. So much so that he couldn’t find anyone to hire him for 15 years.
         
He once painted a house for a man and couldn’t collect his money for the job. He showed up one Saturday morning and set up a pitch pot. For anyone not familiar with pitch, it is the black, sticky coating that is heated up to a liquid and applied to a roof before shingles are nailed on. When the pitch was being heated to attain its liquid state, the man came running out of the house demanding to know what he thought he was doing. He informed the man that he was going to put pitch on his paint. If the man paid him for the paint it would be his paint and my grandfather could not put anything on it. The man was furious as he went in the house and returned with the money that he owed my grandfather.
         
He picked up odd jobs until he had enough money to build his own 2 ½ story house. This he did at 703 Gay St. (in Oct., 1952, the city changed all the house numbers in Salisbury and it became 307 Gay St.)
         
While building his house he missed work for the only time in his life. He was never sick and this was the only time he was injured. It seems he was putting on the slate roof one morning and fell off the roof. A trip to the hospital entailed having the broken leg set and a cast applied. After this interruption, he returned to the house that very afternoon and proceeded to finish the roof. His determination was unmatched by any man I ever knew.
         
Once he finished building his own house in 1924 and people saw that he could build a fine house, he never had any trouble finding work after that. The only change he made was he started to build commercial buildings because he said the money was better and on time. In Salisbury, he is responsible for many buildings that can be observed today. He built the Perdue plant on Cypress St. for Swift & Co., the Cannon Building, the Colonial Building, the building on Mill St. for the old Martin & Swartz Co., the original Penny’s and the Country House on E. Main St. for Manhattan Shirt Co.. The last large project was the Howard Johnson Restaurant and Motor Lodge on Route 13 North. He also rebuilt Benjamin’s after a fire in the 1930’s. He had the salvage rights to Benjamin’s and hauled out everything he could before he razed it and began rebuilding. The only two departments that had not been completely destroyed were the “linen” and “glassware” departments. I spent my youth in the 1940’s and 1950’s drinking out of Duncan Miller sandwich pattern glasses and I was grown before I knew they made towels in any color except white.

(This is part 7 of a 7 part story of my grandfather’s life. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I recalled in writing it)

Hurricane Irene Makes Landfall In N.C.

Category 1 storm extremely dangerous, forecasters say; 2.3 million ordered out across East Coast

Hurricane Irene howled ashore in North Carolina with heavy winds, rain and surf on Saturday on a path threatening the densely populated U.S. East Coast with flooding and power outages.

The eye of the storm crossed the North Carolina coast near Cape Lookout around 7:30 a.m. ET, forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Irene was moving north-northeast along the coast and was expected to remain a hurricane as it hit the mid-Atlantic states on Saturday night and New England on Sunday.

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Knot Up Power Tool Cords To Prevent Disconnection

When you're using electric power tools, it's easy to get carried away and yank the plug out of the extension cord socket, possibly leaving your powerless saw or drill lodged inside whatever you're working on. You can avoid the pitfall by tying the cords in a knot.

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