Guest Column

Computers become our lifelines in times of disaster

By MARY PARTINGTON
Published November 1, 2007

Caller ID said it was our son. I know the time in California was 6 a.m. and my heart skipped a beat. Our son was calling to tell us that they were getting ready to evacuate because the fires in San Diego were getting close and his area was under a mandatory evacuation. I was aware of the fires in California so I was keeping a wary eye on the news.

This is the second time his home has been close to a major fire, but this is the first time he was ordered to evacuate. Our discussion centered around my suggesting what to have on hand in the shelter. He was appreciative of the suggestion to bring earplugs; he had not thought of that. As residents of Florida we all know what to take to a shelter, but when the time comes to pick up and run, items can be forgotten.

I raced to my computer, went to the San Diego television station we always watch and clicked to watch the coverage live. We have spent considerable time in California and have learned the area around our son's home as well as we know New Port Richey. As I watched the coverage and pictures, I saw familiar places in flames.

This reminded me of the time I was in California, taking care of his children while he was on a business trip, and Florida was being hit by another hurricane. It was Charley, and our daughter and family were riding the storm out in their house in Melbourne, on Florida's east coast. Then, too, I went to the computer and watched the coverage of the storm live from a station in Orlando. While we were away from our home, friends of our daughter were staying in our house. I was checking on my family and my home from 3,000 miles away.

As I listen to the reporters talk about evacuations and what to bring to the shelters in San Diego, I am struck by the fact that pets are welcome at the California evacuation centers - just be sure the pet is in a cage and has a leash. They even mentioned that evacuees with horses should bring them along. The reporter announced that several evacuees had arrived at the stadium in downtown San Diego with full horse trailers.

I give Californians credit: They do not have to leave precious pets behind. I am sure it will be difficult for the evacuation centers to deal with pets.

As I watch the devastating news in San Diego, I am reminded that no area of our country is safe from disaster. Just this week I had to check the weather because of tornados in the Midwest, where another daughter lives with her family. No matter where I go I can keep a watchful eye on family and friends, thanks to computers.

Ignorance may be bliss, but knowing what is going on is ecstasy.

Mary Partington lives in New Port Richey.

[Last modified October 31, 2007, 19:24:51]