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Wow, finally just got power back here in West Islip, NY (Long Island).
Let me tell you... it is unbelievable all the things that we do in our everyday life that depends on electricity. You never really realize it until it is all totally gone. I can't even begin to explain the feelings that I was having -- I dont think that I have ever been more bored in my life, ever. There is absolutely NOTHING to do. I mean, no lights, no TV, no computer, can't open the fridge, can't cook, stores are all closed, can't get gas, street lights out (causing total chaos in the streets at intersections). Cell phones weren't working, sometimes even normal phones didnt work.
I was actually sitting in the dentist's chair when it all happened. I was only in the chair for about 5 minutes, the hygenist had just briefly looked around in my mouth and was taking my first x-ray. She left the room to press the button, and as the machine's "buzz" was interrupted halfway and everything turned off. I thought maybe it was just a blown fuse at the office. Next thing I know I hear the office talking about that the whole block is out -- even the traffic lights. They try to call the power company, but the phones are dead; sirens are ringing in the background. Everyone there tried their cell phones but they just wouldnt connect to any number. Someone tries their car radio -- many stations arent even running, one was reporting that power was out all the way to Manhattan.
They excused me from the office, I went outside to find people lining the sidewalks, all outside the buildings they were in, talking (well trying to connect anyway) and giving strange looks at their cell phones. The streetlights are out, cars horns are blaring, people are just randomly walking across the street in front of cars. "Power is out in Michigan!" you can hear. I try to leave the parking lot, but without traffic lights it was extremely difficult... the entire ride home was filled with packed roads, chaos, etc. A 30 minute ride took me over 2 hours, thank god I had enough gas. On the radio: Malfunction at a Niagra Falls plant... me: "then why dont we have power down here at LI, we have our own power plants, why dont we just disconnect from the grid and power ourselves for now" -- the thoughts on everyone's minds, on a hot 85 degree afternoon, people are restless and sweaty. Oh yea-- fill up some bottles with water and dont use the water after that.. who knows how long the pumps that create water pressure will remain on backup power. And dont leave candles unattended b/c you wont have phones to call 911 -- which may not even be running -- and the fire dept will have no water pressure to put out a fire.
Yea so that was my day... complete and utter chaos. I've never experienced anything quite like this before (although 9/11 was another very emotional catastrophe, it is a very different type of situation to go through -- both are flat our horrible). I still cannot understand how something like this could go so terribly wrong in this day in age... it just doesnt make sense. Oh well, now it's over (hopefully forever).
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