T&P&C to all the TE'rs in the Katrina area

[Trek420]

We probably have some TE'rs in the area hit by Katrina. Just sending out thoughts, prayers, chants whatever we all do. With the power and phone lines down we might not hear from you for a while but you're in our thoughts.

Do we know if we have anyone there?

Maybe it's a funny thought to have but as i watched the footage of the city evacuating and the gridlock, the thought occured that if for some reason Hayward was evacuated, thanks to this place I absolutely could just throw a leg over my bike at any given moment and ride 100 miles out ahead of all traffic.

But then I thought...no, I couldn't leave Mae (dog) behind.

Ok, ::: rides off to shop for a trailer::.

Also....if you know anyone in the area it is quite common, tradition, expected even that when massive amounts of lines are down the local phone company willl establish voicemail or call forwarding on your line so that your calls are answered or forwarded to another number that you can be reached at.

Since lines may be down, central offices lost and call centers effected bear that in mind but if you've lost your home and number that's a way to keep in touch.

As I look at film of the destruction I imagine that even central offices (where your dial tone is from and service maintained) are down or even completely gone. These buildings are staffed 24/7. As a phone co. worker I'm holding my breath our folks are ok. A check of the union website found that our annual convention just sent $4 million in relief!

http://www.cwa-union.org/news/WhatsNew.asp?ID=714

another thing if you know people in the area all sCingular wireless stores still standing in the area are acting as a contact point, folks can go there to make or get calls free. Check Cingular.com for locations.