Residents board up their homes on Cape Cod as Hurricane Earl swept up the Eastern Seaboard.

Well, my trip to Rhode Island was a short one, with most of my time spent in airports and on airplanes. After receiving the call to deploy while Earl was still a Category 4 hurricane, it was downgraded to a category 1 by the time I made it to my destination 24 hours later.

 

As part of the team that is deployed preparing for a disaster, you’re just not sure what will happen. Upon arrival in RI, I was reminded of the terrible flooding that occurred just a few short months ago. Everyone hoped Earl would not be a repeat. As Friday moved along, it became evident that unless Earl took a significant course change (and we know hurricanes have a personality-that’s why we name them), then RI would only receive a good rain storm with a bit of wind. Many locals asked what the hullabaloo was about (pointing out that a strong nor’easter often brought more trouble than Earl was looking to). It had been almost 20 years since their last hurricane impact; who knows what could happen.

 

Saturday morning was beautiful with clear skies and a cool, stiff breeze. There was very little damage, mostly to the Cape Cod area which I was not assigned to. All the work in preparing for the storm was not for naught. There were several people throughout the Rhode Island/Massachusetts area that took advantage of Red Cross shelters, staying overnight, ensuring themselves of a peaceful night and a warm meal. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) drove neighborhoods, making sure that damage to the area was minimal while providing snacks and water to anyone clearing limbs from their yards. Thankfully, the local communities were prepared, and Earl passed with only a glancing sprinkle on RI.

 

For me, I met new Red Crossers and learned a few new things along the way. There are still a couple of months to go in the hurricane season, so follow this month’s theme – National Preparedness Month – and get your family ready for any type of emergency.

 

Now excuse me, I have clothes to wash and a suitcase to repack.

 

Dale