I posted earlier about the ice storm we had Thursday night. Dh's aunt still is without power, still has lines in her driveway and is stuck without a water source or electricity. She has a wood stove so she is warm and she can cook a little using her gas stove. She is in her 70's and dh's uncle is in his 80's and she is at her wits end. She will not leave her house - I offered mine, but she won't leave, not even to come and at least use the shower. She's done an awful lot for me over the years, I'd like to do something for her. Any suggestions? It's going to be at least a week, maybe 2, before power comes back on.

By Bellajoe on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 08:30 am:

All I can think of is if you could bring her a meal or two? Keep letting her know that your offer of your house still stands. She may end up changing her mind and really wanting real warm and a warm shower.

If I think of anything else, i'll post.

((HUGS)))

By Karen~admin on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 09:19 am:

Do they have gas heat or electrical heat? I'd be concerned about them staying warm - bring over extra blankets??? Bottled water???

By Tayjar on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:15 am:

What little gas stove is she using? Make sure she isn't at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Take her lots of easy to cook meals and canned goods. Does she have a manual can opener?

Does she has a fire extinguisher by the little gas stove? If it's an open flame, might be dangerous.

Does she has a phone that she can use? Even if she doesn't have phone service she can use a cell phone and charge it via her car, if it is safe for her to get to the car.

I'd make sure they have plenty of fresh water to use.

Lots of warm blankets and maybe batteries for a radio.

Also, ask them about medication refills. Are they going to need any in the next couple of weeks?

By Vicki on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:40 am:

Wow, your post has me scared to death of carbon monoxide....Do they make any battery testers for that? I know they have plug in types, but that isn't going to help. I would be looking for one of those pronto!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:48 am:

I agree about the medications. Also I would get her a couple of those boxed water things/jugs. It is not uncommon for us to have water issues during the winter, lines break when the ground shifts, so we keep at least four of the big water jugs on hand. Even when the lines get fixed we are on boil alert until the water test clear. Make sure she has plenty of light sources, a battery operated camping light, candles. Soups, breads, things that don't require being kept cold to eat, and heat up quickly. Um, what about cross word puzzles, yarn, whatever she does as "busy work". A radio with batteries.. A cheap track phone, with minutes, if she has no phone service, but she would have to understand how to charge it. Don't want her in a garage with the car running to get the battery charged, that wouldn't be good at all. Do they have plenty of wood? Maybe some of those fire logs you buy at the store? Maybe just a visit, if you can get to her, I am sure they are driving themselves nuts, change of pace.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:52 am:

We have a Battery Operated one. Got it at WalMart.

By Colette on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 04:15 pm:

thanks, I just spoke with her again and now she is sick. if it's not on by tomorrow she's going to a hotel.