Earthquake in Haiti - Self-Storage Talk

jcarlisle · #1 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 10:17 AM

A 7.0 earthquake followed by as many as 18 aftershocks (averaging 5.0) have decimated the nation of Haiti in the Carribbean.

My prayers are with everyone affected by this, and I think we need to be providing aid immediately.

I saw that President Obama was set to make a statement at around 9:30 ET, but I missed it as I was on my way into the office.

Strange that we've been talking about earthquakes so much lately.

Gina6k · #2 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 12:13 PM

First, IMHO a 5.0 is a full-fledged earthquake that stands on its' own. Semantics!

Highlights of President Obama's speech were that the US is providing a swift, coordinated & aggressive response to Haiti. We are sending the hospital ship "Comfort" but it won't arrive until Wed. or so due to stocking and the slowness of the vessel.

People with family in Haiti are to phone the State Dept. for info at
1-888-407-4747.

Log onto the White House website for info on how to help in the relief & rescue efforts.

The airport tower collapsed so rescue teams from California & Virginia are trying to determine how to get there as close as possible to the epicenter and as quickly as possible. There is also a helicopter fleet trying to get in.

****************************
People we take some things too seriously, and we're too complacent about other things. The recent spate of earthquakes on the West Coast has some of us a bit on edge. It's time to update those emergency kits, have your bleach and medical supplies stocked and most importantly of all, have your family emergency drill in place and practice it! Where is your gathering place?

Did you know, that if there is phone or cell service you most likely will NOT be able to make local calls; however out of state calls can make it through. Have a designated friend or family member out of state that everyone can check in with in the event of a catastrophe. Better safe than sorry in so many instances.

One quote from the news this morning that stuck was from Marvin Ady, a businessman in Port Au Prince who tweeted; "A lot of important things became unimportant today."

I just heard on the news that Doctors without Borders has reported that their four facilities have collapsed.9:16 a.m. PST

astro · #3 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 01:53 PM

I have never been through and earthquake. But, I have been through hurricanes. The shear desperation, helplessness, and hopelessness that you feel is without equal. No electric (this means no a/c in Florida), no water, no street lights, stoplights and stopsigns, frequently. Groceries are closed. Gas stations are closed. Restaurants are closed. If any of these mentioned are standing.

From the other side, we had people as far away as the northwest, renting trucks, and bring ice, food, water, blankets, clothes, etc., just to donate to those without. What fine people!

It takes years for an area to completely recover from any kind of disaster, natural, or otherwise.

Good luck, Haiti, and the west coast. Hang in their, and come visit from California if it gets too rough. Bring heavy coats.

acampbell · #4 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina6k

One quote from the news this morning that stuck was from Martin Ady, a businessman in Port Au Prince who tweeted "A lot of important things became unimportant today."

That sums it up right there, doesn't it, Gina? Hopefully, they'll find some survivors.

astro · #5 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 03:42 PM

One thing that amazed me about the news I heard today about Haiti. The Haitians at the airport waiting for their place to the US, went ahead and got on the plane and left. They, then, worried about contacting their families and friends by phone, instead of staying, and helping with the rescue and recovery of these same families and friends.

acampbell · #6 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 04:45 PM

Just found this article about donating money to the cause ... by text!

Gina6k · #7 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 05:57 PM

There are those who will take full advantage of others tragedy.

Here are two articles about donating and the FBI warning about scams.

From ABC News FBI warning about donation scams Grades for the various legit charities are on page 2 of the article.

List of donation methods here via texting and other avenues.

Let's hope & pray for the Haitian people and hope that the U.S. response is better for Haiti than it was for H. Katrina & other U.S. disasters.

shaekirk · #8 (**permalink**) 13th January 2010, 07:40 PM

This is absolutely terrible. I've seen video on this tragedy that's honestly scared me half to death.

My son actually did his current event report on this.

I'm so glad to see that more nations than just the U.S. are coming to the rescue. The more the better.

alexlekas · #9 (**permalink**) 14th January 2010, 09:31 AM

once again, the US is the global first responder. It is times like these that I want to look the troublesome nations in the eye, the ones constantly knocking and maligning America, and tell them to kiss our red, white, and blue @$%. When tragedy strikes, there are no larger hearts than the ones inside these borders.

jcarlisle · #10 (**permalink**) 20th January 2010, 12:32 PM

There's probably something folks in the storage industry can learn from Haiti, as Amy Campbell points out in a blog.

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