The one thing that disturbed me the most about the August earthquake in Virginia wasn’t the loss of some knick-knacks and glassware. It wasn’t the fears that rose along with the shaking, it was the loss of technology.
Yes, cell phones quit! I couldn’t call my husband who works at the airport in D.C. I couldn’t call my daughter or son, no one, unless of course they had an old fashioned plug in the wall, no electricity required landline!
Why? The reason seems to be that everyone and his brother was using cell phones to call loved ones and the system was way overloaded. So everyone who is lulled into thinking that with current technology in an emergency we can get in contact with our family and friends may be S-O-L. For the handful of people who don’t know what that means, let me enlighten you… S----- out of luck. In addition since so many didn’t know what was happening I heard that a lot of people were calling 911, which also overloaded that system. God forbid anyone was really injured.
So to summarize, you can just forget about that fancy cell phone in an emergency. You may as well be holding a rock. If you know me then you know that I do have a novel idea, however. How about sending up some smoke signals?
Just to be safe it wouldn’t hurt to stock up on some wood and matches, and learn the signals.
16 comments:
We hear you Crystal. In fact our TV station was suggesting that families designate one out of town family member as the contact person and all family members should call only them to say they are safe. Cuts down on multiple calls to many family members. I guess other states weren't telling their citizens to do that; just Maine. Something to think about for next time because we all know there WILL BE a next time.
Love your art! Too true, any big event and the cell network is overloaded...used to be the same with the old network too. Mother's Day - for instance - big increase in phone traffic = circuits are busy message. I can't give up my land line. It works without power - just have to keep an old corded phone handy in the linen closet. It has a long cord because I know I am accustomed to wandering while I talk :D
now you're talking, I like the way you think,, smoke signals sounds like a great idea,, lol,, kidding aside you're so right,, we have become prisoners to technology for sure and if something happens we are all in such a mess,, maybe old was somehow better,,love your paintings,,
Love the smoke signal idea. I've got my wood and matches ready and am going out today to purchace "Smoke Signals for Dummies."
I am definitely old fashioned...we still have our corded land line...I prefer to use it over the cell when at home...even prefer it over the cordless that we also have...but then again, we also have a wood cookstove installed for emergencies when the power goes out, and we do cook and bake with it at least twice a year for practice...it really is fun to use when cold out in the winter.
:0)
I remember when A T & T was down a couple of Fridays ago...all day, so no cell phone, iPad, nada! Yes, we will all be sh*t out of luck in a real emergency! I better get to know Jesus again soon!! ;)
LOVE the drawing - and couldn't agree more - i was so frustrated, i couldnt call out - everyone was emailing to make sure we were all ok...i think i need a land line!
another great post!
have a great day - i am busy getting kids ready for BTS! xo
Hi Crystal, we live about 23 miles from the earthquake epicenter and also thought we had caused our house to go bonkers. The hurricane kept us in the dark for 4 days and without running water since we are on a well. Some friends lost their home because she was boiling water on the stovetop when the lights went out. They forgot about that little item and went to stay at a motel. When the lights came back on, the water boiled out, the pan burned up and got so hot something in the kitchen ignited and there went the house. We checked everything and unplugged things that might be damaged by a surge. I'll pay attention to my stove from now on.
Even far removed from the center of the quake up here in NY we had that problem of cells just cutting out or not working at all. My particular gripe was that the localish radio station played music all Saturday night and gave hardly any info.
Sí tienes razón. Pero al menos sirven para las urgencias personales, las que no les pasa a todo el mundo al mismo tiempo. Saludos.
Yes you are right. But at least serve to personal emergencies, which not everyone spends the same time. regards
We were so fortunate during April's tornadoes that we had some cell phone use as our power was off close to 18 days. After 3 days I was able to get into work where the power was on and use the computer to check my email and such :)
You are right Crystal! You probably would get somebody quicker, with the smoke signals and you wouldn't lose power either, unless it rained! LOL! I don't own a cell phone, so I guess it is smoke signals for me ;o)
So sorry to hear that..but your sketches are wonderful!
Well said dearie. I still have a landline and a cell phone. I havent gotten rid of it yet just in case. Cute drawings today!
Hi Crystal once again a very interesting post from you and thought provoking. I keep an old plug in phone handy for emergencies as we are always having peer cuts here.
Glad to see you back
Marie
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