East Coast Happenings

Diane Amberg · September 28, 2016, 12:33:02 PM

Thank you for the links.Things are slowly coming together for viewings, several funerals and a huge memorial service at the Chase Center next to the ball park in Wilmington on Saturday. Unfortunately, a large rain front has arrived and will be here through Sunday.
The two badly burned firefighters who were rescued alive are still critical but stable at the Crosier Chester Burn Center in nearby Chester PA. The female, Ardythe Hope, had 80% of her airway burned from when her air mask and helmet were knocked off as the floor collapsed out from under her.
The family residents had some smoke inhilation, but will be fine.

Diane Amberg · September 30, 2016, 09:04:56 AM

I didn't think it could get any worse, but it has. It was arson.The setter of the fire has been arrested with many charges, including two counts of murder the first degree. She was a drunk, drugged out 27 year old resident of the place who got angry over something and set the basement on fire.
I have enjoyed reading about the sheriff's upcoming election, especially Ross's "pubic" debates.How can anyone take that seriously?

Diane Amberg · October 03, 2016, 08:36:54 AM

We managed to survive such a tragic week, including a huge memorial service in Wilmington. Companies came from all over including far away states. Every Delaware dignitary came including the Vice President, Joe Biden.There was no politics from any of them, just sad condolences.
Pipe bands came from as far as Seattle and played songs they all would know.It was beautiful and chilling too. Saturday night we had an old fashioned Wake at a Newark pub. Our own fire fighters along with many from other companies,including DC, NYFD, Philly and many others. Next Sunday we ring our memorial bell for the beginning of Fire Prevention Week and will include the three threes(or perhaps 4 5's) for Jerry and Chris.

Diane Amberg · October 05, 2016, 07:49:06 AM

I lost a another old friend suddenly.This is getting worse and worse.
Now we have to watch the skies and see what Matthew will do as it comes up the coast...or not. My girlfriend in Wilmington, N.C. just finished storm proofing her house again.She lives very near Wrightsville Beach but high up in hilly country which keeps them from getting a storm surge, but they still get very high winds.The next few days should be interesting for sure.

Mom70x7 · October 05, 2016, 12:06:47 PM

I have friends in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. They've been getting ready as well. They are also involved in theater in the area, and have been posting all the theater cancellations and plans. It could be a big mess.

Diane Amberg · October 06, 2016, 11:28:44 AM

I feel bad for your friends...This storm is really bad news for those who get it. Our predictions have changed as the thing seems to want to eventually hook a hard right...maybe... and circle back on itself. We might not see anything. Nothing is sure. Prayers for those in it's path.

Diane Amberg · October 09, 2016, 09:19:38 AM

So far 11 deaths have been reported in the south east from Matthew. We had some rain bands come through here and they are just about gone. We had very little wind, thank goodness. The storm surge south of here was just as bad as was predicted for the hardest hit areas, so I'm glad most people who were told to evacuate did so.
Today is the beginning of Fire Prevention Week.Check the age on your smoke detectors.Never keep them beyond 10 years. Last year we replaced our own with 10 year sealed units that need no care and won't need to be replaced until 2025.They might out last me!
At noon today we'll ring our big fire company bell in honor of US fire fighters who lost their lives due to fire related causes during 2015. We'll also honor some who were injured in previous years, but finally died from their condition in 2015.(some 911 firefighters ) Stay safe out there.

Mom70x7 · October 09, 2016, 01:23:39 PM

I really like the new fire / smoke alarms. We would always forget when we had changed the batteries; there were several reminders throughout the year and we couldn't remember which ones we followed.

Now it's an install and forget it. Love them!

Glad you guys are safe.

Diane Amberg · October 12, 2016, 09:35:59 AM

We are fine. Had some beach damage along the coast here, but we missed the worst by a lot, thank goodness.There have been at least 22 deaths reported now in the states severely affected and the water is still rising from the huge rains up stream and may continue for several more days. Sadly, bodies are still being found. Old flood records have toppled and what was thought to be "high enough" wasn't. Several dams are still at risk. Hopefully there will be no more big threatening storms this season.

Diane Amberg · October 19, 2016, 08:32:19 AM

Matthew is finally gone and the beaches and the swells are back to "normal" with some damage that can be repaired fairly easily. Sadly, more than 30 have died. Some were swept away in flooded vehicles and some stayed when they were told to go.They weren't as smart as they thought.
We are still doing lots of fire safety requests to visit schools and preschools and will judge the several hundred fire safety posters and essays on Sunday evening. It's very educational for us to see what the kids have to say about their topic.
I'll be so glad when this election mess is finished. I'm no fan of Hillary, but if Trump wins and he acts as he has been, this country will be in a world of hurts. His inconsistencies and treatment of people will not play well on the world stage. He seems to have some good ideas too, but I don't think he can deliver them. On the one hand he talks about all the things he will make happen, but it would take even more Govt. to accomplish them. That is not what most people want to see. He talks about lowering taxes, but everything he wants to do would have to be paid for somehow.
He says he loves war. What an ignorant thing to say. Now he is stuck on these trivial school play ground revenge statements. What a big baby. I'll watch the last debate tonight and be very interested in who says what, but I doubt many folks will be swayed either way.
On a very happy note, Newark Charter School has once again been designated a Blue Ribbon School. They were designated the first time in 2010. The same school cannot be designated every year, so this was the first time they could be designated again. I am so proud of them.
The leaves are beginning to show color here, but we still haven't had any frost. I need to start moving my house plants inside so we don't get caught short some night. Have a good one.