ARC Earl Update 1

Hurricane Earl




Update 1

September 2, 2010

3:23 p.m.



It has been an interesting and trying few hours. We woke up about 5 a.m. and loaded the truck to pick up the ERV in Smithfield, NC to take it to Raleigh, NC for initial check in and inspection. One thing led to another and we ended up having to do an additional inspection of ERV 1168 so the inspector could pass the truck and get us on our way. This was only the start of the mishaps. We made a stop and attained some completely unhealthy food and soda and began the almost 4 hour drive to Elizabeth City, NC. I was able to sneak in a nap while my wonderful driver, Tay Tay got us a little past Pasqutant County where we stopped and ate even more unhealthy food at Pizza Hut. I have to admit, we could have had worse even though Apple Dessert Pizza is always a must! Apple is healthy though, right?



After our lunch break we finished the drive to Elizabeth City, only to find that the Red Cross chapter had relocated to a new location (Mishap number 2). After finally arriving at our destination we were able to check in and meet the other volunteers from South Carolina and Georgia. We currently have 6 ERVs all together. One great thing I have already learned in my few months of being a Red Cross Volunteer is that you get to meet some of the most amazing and friendly people from all over. It makes for a great experience and I personally never pass up an opportunity to meet someone I can potentially learn something from.



Now on to Mishap number 3. After our arrival we were able to atleast let our bodies rest while our minds were churning from all the possibilities and talk of what could possibly happen. One option we are looking at is possibly back tracking about 50 miles away from the Coast because the weather could potentially get a lot worse than what was originally expected. Another option is that we wait it out and just see what happens. I’m personally not too sure how well that one will work out. We are now stuck in limbo trying to see what will happen to us within the new few hours. Hopefully the hurricane will not push us back to where we just came from, but that is always a risk we take. Weather is truly unpredictable and I am more than happy to stay out of the wrath of the path that it chooses to take.



Finally our 4th Mishap (and surely not our last). I’m not sure if you would consider this more of a mishap rather than a lack of being prepared, but we currently have no where to sleep. Many options are being thrown around. We will possibly be getting hotel rooms which would be my choice if I had any, but I do what the boss man tells me to! Other options are to put up cots and stay here at the Chapter or even go to one of the Shelters that were opened for the evacuees. The unknown is not a friend of mine and it sure is giving me a headache having so much to think about and process, but I guess this is just all part of the Disaster Relief process. You never know what you are getting into until you are in it! Either way I will stay open minded and accept anything that is thrown my way.



For now we sit and wait, or atleast I will be. My partner in crime, Tay Tay is curled up on a couch getting some sleep. I guess it’s his turn to sleep since I took mine on the drive here! I will continuously be keeping a check on the weather outside and seeing when things start to get ugly. Hopefully it will not get too rough, but we will handle anything that is brought to us.



-La La