Hey boys and girls! It's what we've been looking for in our mailboxes all year, and it's finally here: Our 2014 Emergency Public Information Calendar (for neighbors of the Seabrook Station) "DO NOT DISCARD. SAVE FOR USE DURING AN EMERGENCY."
And what a wonder of invaluable information it is! My favorite is the Emergency Bus Information map for Hampton. When those sirens go off because the power plant is melting down, just go right out to Route 27 and wait for the bus to safety. (18 pages of emergency bus routes from the surrounding towns. What haven't they thought of at the power plant emergency planning office?)
Just climb on board.
Don't need no luggage.
All you need is faith.
Hear the diesels humming.
There's a bus a coming,
Just thank the Lord.
It is reassuring to see that they plan to evacuate towns as far away as Dover and Rochester. Makes one feel better about living just two miles as the crow flies from the plant. Wouldn't matter if you lived at a "safe distance." The safe distance appears to be Canada.
Oh, and what to take with you when the siren goes off. Things I would not have thought of: 1. Dentures 2. Toothpaste 3. Medical insurance card --we might radiate you, but nobody's going to treat you for free.
If things get, how shall we put this? Constricted. Just shelter in place. "Keep pets inside. If you are in your car close the windows."
And do not breathe more than necessary.
"Remember, in an emergency, you will be better prepared if you know how to help yourself and others, as well as how to receive help from others."
There are some lovely photos in this calendar: Look at July, with the picture of gentry getting on board the Portsmouth Electric Railway car, which apparently ran from Rye to Portsmouth. Look at those folks. There was a time along the seacoast when living was elegant. Those folks did not have to worry about a nuclear power plant blowing up. Judging from their clothes, they were living about maybe 1900: All they had to worry about was Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, strep bacteria, influenza, polio, world wars, and crop failures.
Life was simple then. No worries about computer viruses and nuclear power plants.
Oh yes indeedy, I opened my mailbox and what to my wondering eyes should appear!! You're right Mad Dog, this is the most wonderful time of the year..Fit for framing photos and helpful instructions on what to do in the face of impending doom all wrapped up into one perfect little package. Well almost perfect-I did have some questions that maybe you could help me out with. First, when it comes to making plans for your pet on page 3 it says "only service animals will be allowed inside the reception center unless decontamination is necessary." So let me see if I have this straight- non-contaminated pets are not allowed, but pets in need of decontamination are? I was also a little perplexed at the "How to travel" section on page 30 when it instructs to "Keep the car windows and vents closed, if practical" -but what if that isn't practical? What if it's 102 degrees in the sun and your stuck in a traffic standstill. I think it would have been nice and helpful if they had provided some feedback on how to pick your poison, don't you? Should you opt for ending it all like a steamed fish with the windows shut or open them and succumb to toxic radiation..hmm,decisions,decisions. Did you happen to note that on the list of what to pack to evacuate, the calendar was first, above medical supplies, including life support equipment. Now that just says volumes about the importance of this little document. Also, I, being notorious for packing like one crossing the Rockies, was delighted to see I could pack most everything I'd need in my purse-now that certainly sounds easy enough..
ReplyDeleteThe one thing glaringly missing though-and the first thing I looked for- was your "Music to Shelter By" CD--where was it-what could they be thinking not including it? Don't they understand the importance of a little mood music....
Maud
Maud,
ReplyDeleteI know you are working on the CD as we speak. I think we had developed a list of songs not long ago, but I've lost it. I trust your taste in music completely. Oh, wait! Desolation Row, that's one. But what were the others?
If dogs are not allowed in shelters unless contaminated Mad Dog is in big trouble.
Mad Dog