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rickpsThe second day of what I'm sure the news media will call the "SoCal 2007 Firestorm". News media can speak of nothing else. Local TV stations are competing to beat the competition in reporting anything vaguely related to the fires, much of it nearly useless. "Hype" is the biggest threat we face here.
Some observations:
The count of individuals and businesses impacted by the fires continues to rise (more than 1,000 homes and businesses according to the media). Evacuation services seem stretched to the limits but are making it work. It is impossible not to feel for those folks who have lost their homes. Loss of life has fortunately been very low.
A touching moment from a local TV newsman as he calmly continued reporting as his home burned in the background.
Qualcomm Stadium has been pressed into service as an evacuation center despite being unprepared. The broadcasted call for supplies received so much response that a second broadcast was issued around 9PM last night asking that people cease bringing in donations because authorities were swamped with more than they could ever possibly use.
I've been reminded how easy it is for panic to take over a situation. One of my staff is convinced that she will perish at any moment even though the edge of the nearest fire is over 20 miles distant. Authorities have been cool and calm.
The periodic smell of smoke, the grime that has settled on nearly any outside surface is a sobering experience. The destructive winds carrying burning embers appear to have calmed significantly today, a hopeful sign.
We wait and watch.
Some observations:
The count of individuals and businesses impacted by the fires continues to rise (more than 1,000 homes and businesses according to the media). Evacuation services seem stretched to the limits but are making it work. It is impossible not to feel for those folks who have lost their homes. Loss of life has fortunately been very low.
A touching moment from a local TV newsman as he calmly continued reporting as his home burned in the background.
Qualcomm Stadium has been pressed into service as an evacuation center despite being unprepared. The broadcasted call for supplies received so much response that a second broadcast was issued around 9PM last night asking that people cease bringing in donations because authorities were swamped with more than they could ever possibly use.
I've been reminded how easy it is for panic to take over a situation. One of my staff is convinced that she will perish at any moment even though the edge of the nearest fire is over 20 miles distant. Authorities have been cool and calm.
The periodic smell of smoke, the grime that has settled on nearly any outside surface is a sobering experience. The destructive winds carrying burning embers appear to have calmed significantly today, a hopeful sign.
We wait and watch.
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no subject
Date: 2007-10-23 05:43 pm (UTC)I know how most people seem to over-hype everything ("Hey look! I'm surrounded by drama! I feel ALIVE!!!!"), however I knew keep a level head and healthy perspective on it, Rick!
I do feel bad for those that have lost their homes, but the intelligent ones seem to have smartly heeded advice and got their families and irreplaceable out in time.
no subject
Date: 2007-10-24 12:49 pm (UTC)