Posts like this become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more word spreads, the more panic sets in whether warranted or not, which only leads to more people rushing to buy gas, which leads to high prices, shortages, police presences, etc. Its a vicious cycle that feeds inward upon itself and "creates" the problem where there was most likely none before.
And it happens over and over. The downside of a society so interconnected instantly with one another.
edit....and there you go.. (Zep's last post)
Last edited by sprkplug; 08/31/1705:02 PM. Reason: saw Zep's post
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
I wish the govt had the power to shut down all social media during a crisis situation so these horrible pranksters could not start rumors that panic the public.
on my way home the last 30 mins I saw 3 stations with lines of about 30 and 75 cars snaked down the road from the pumps. it's already become common knowledge....DO NOT COME UP TO AN INTERSECTION IN THE RIGHT LANE....all those cars are waiting to turn into a gas station
Most of them probably already have over a half tank. We don't drive much anymore, so we top off the tank when it gets less than half full to avoid condensation. Maybe once every three to four weeks. If it was me, I would just stay home a few more days.
Most of them probably already have over a half tank. I would just stay home a few more days.
That's what I am doing John. Well I am not staying home, but I'm not sitting in 1-2 hour gas station lines and I'm not driving as much...it's a gamble if it gets worse...but I think in several days hopefully it will improve.
I wish the govt had the power to shut down all social media during a crisis situation so these horrible pranksters could not start rumors that panic the public.
I agree.
I just don't have a good answer for that. I do wish that those who push the horrid and unhelpful fake news, and the highly incendiary panic news, would back off their postings on multiple sites. It only causes more panic and more divisive hatred.
I've been involved with disaster volunteer assistance for many years.
There is a very efficient chain-of-command for emergencies like these. It must be followed so that the system doesn't slow down.
If you plan to help, you need to work through the many assisting groups who all work upward in this chain of command. DON'T JUST SHOW UP TO TRY AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. Find your lowest group to work through. Get registered. It doesn't take long via the Internet. You can lists your qualifications, expertise, equipment, etc. These groups will provide guidance to get you assigned once you get "cleared" to provide assistance when and where needed. Many religious affiliates and many community service organizations have the levels of contact necessary to be highly effective.
It is important to be cleared, approved, and dispatched by locally approved groups for many reasons. One of the biggest is to prevent fraud by people trying to take advantage of the most disadvantaged at the time.
The other issue is what good-willed people think might be needed, yet it is often not needed. Bringing them unexpectedly to a help center slows the system down and causes more problems for the many coordinating volunteers, including storage. Cleaning out and donating the contents of your basements and sheds really clogs the system. The centers might have just gotten a tractor trailer load of diapers and bleach -- but they might need something totally different, and that load would have been much better served at a different locality.
Follow the instructions and requests of the coordinators to determine what is really needed. Clothes and building materials are not what are usually need first -- that comes later. Bleach is usually in good supply, but boots, gloves, masks, squeegees, mops, buckets, etc., are not. Water may not be available -- and 8-16 oz., bottles are not what they often need. They need multiple containers to carry at least five gallons of water at a time. But, again, don't do this without a request from the disaster coordinators. They need "gift cards" to grocery stores and big box stores. Again, these should be donated through the chain of command to make sure they go to authorized groups for distribution, and who keep track of who receives them to cut down on fraud.
The photos below are from last summer when south/central West Virginia floods killed numerous people. When a friend and I got to the small town of White Sulphur Springs, WV, they were still searching for eight of the 23 missing flood victims. Through coordination of a religious affiliated disaster relief group about 100 miles northwest of us, we arrived when and where expected about 24 hours after the flood waters had receded. We got delayed as did others with requested supplies. The distribution center was being clogged and slowed by well-meaning people bringing items to the distribution center that were not needed or wanted.
Getting off the Interstate less than 24 hours after about 15 of 23 bodies were recovered:
What was seen 30 feet below the top flood level at the first stop sign into White Sulfur Springs, WV off Interstate I-64
Still searching for victims:
I urge the many to get off their pompous hateful and political asses and start helping instead of criticizing.
I'm not looking for any credit. But, this was my first load of meds, diapers, infant formula, bug spray, sunscreen, pet food, mops and squeegees, tooth brushes and tooth paste, sanitary products, can openers for edible canned foods, and so many more things the rescue centers were calling me about nearly every 30 minutes before we headed 150 miles down the road with the first of many loads.
Additional friends and neighbors staged a number of 53 foot semi-trailers that were filled over a couple of days with desperately needed (and requested) supplies in the many flooded areas. They provided flatbed semi-trailers to haul building materials. All of this was done voluntarily, without pay for the many volunteers (like the truck drivers), and by the small companies that provided the road tractors and various semi-trailers at no cost.
I just got back from filling up all my gas cans for the month, and there was only one other vehicle at that 10 pump station. Most of my Hooterville peeps seem to be a bit more pragmatic about this gas thing than my in-town neighbors are. 30 Miles east of Dallas County, gas supply is normal, and is only up about 20 cents a gallon.
Well here in London Ontario Canada gas has gone up to $1.20 per liter. Thats $4.68 a gallon in Canadian dollars. The big problem is going to be the New York area because the pipeline is off. Give it 20 days.
My plywood has gone up from $12.50 for 3/8 D-grade to $33 as sheet.
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, is a United States federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of the American merchant marine.
Among other purposes, the law regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. Section 27 of the Jones Act deals with cabotage and requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.
How many US tankers fit this criteria to move fuels? Pipe lines are very important to the US.
I do wish that those who push the horrid and unhelpful fake news, and the highly incendiary panic news, would back off their postings on multiple sites.
Ah crud. You guys in TX are starting to approach what our gas costs in NYS every day. Welcome to the gouge.
Cat, God bless for having the time, and giving the energy for those in need. My plan when I retire and the kiddo is moved out or willing to help is to volunteer like you are doing, God willing.