#spacenerd.txt

[mod-kitkat]

Irma Has Left Florida,

but that doesn't mean the struggle is over. For some, it's only gotten worse as now begin the efforts to clean up debris, rebuild homes, find a transition job while workplaces are under repair, and care for loved ones who may have been injured. Some things to keep in mind if you have been affected by this storm:

*If you are getting any repairs done through a contractor, please be cautious of possible scams. Sad though it may be, there is no shortage of people who seek to take advantage of others' misfortunes at times like these, so make sure you are contracting through someone who does not require payment until after the work has been completed, who is insured and certified. Also be sure to read through any contract you sign very carefully, make sure the contractor lists an exact description of the work to be done and provides a clear start and end date, and make sure there are provisions releasing you from liability for the conduct of the workers; people can sue you if they are injured on your property without such provisions, even if it is not your fault or you are not present.

*If you, like many, are struggling to find a stocked gas station near you, popular price comparison app GasBuddy now features the ability to search stations by availability of several types of fuel, and whether they have power. If you are able to download it, this is a fantastic resource, though it is user-maintained and thus may not be fully up-to-date if a contributor has not been to a specific location for some time, or more supplies of fuel have come in recently.

*Some other, general transportation tips; the government has declared that no tolls are to be paid until further notice. That being said, Floridians may now take the expressways and toll roads free of charge. Several stoplights have been damaged or blown away completely; treat any intersection where this has occurred as a four-way-stop, regardless of whether police are present to direct traffic or not. Do not attempt to drive on any blocked-off roads. Some may not look like it, but most of the streets that have been closed are completely underwater, and those that aren't are full of dangerous debris. Of course, always pull over for emergency personnel- however, it is even more imperative that you do so at times like this, when there is a higher demand for their services.

*Many public locations are not allowing people to charge their devices using their outlets, citing "theft of private property". Unfortunately, these places are completely within their rights to deny you usage of their electricity or expel you from the premises for attempting to do so, so if you are without power your best option is to find your nearest library, which always offers places to charge devices, as well as free Wi-Fi to be able to contact loved ones if you do not currently have phone service. As I understand it plenty of restaurants are also willing to allow customers access to their outlets, as well as offer free Wi-Fi, so that may also be something to try if you plan on eating out. Additionally, a charged laptop can serve as an excellent power pack in a pinch, as they can hold a late amount of charge, and you can plug any device you need to into its USB ports and charge them without even turning the computer on.

*Some companies will offer a "goodwill credit" to employees; this is a small bonus stipend that can be requested if needed in case of an emergency such as this. Certainly not all places will have this, but if they do it is not generally advertised. Call your employer to see whether they offer such a benefit, or whether they may be able to cover a portion of your storm-related expenses such as repair; the worst they can say is no. This is especially important for those who are not being paid their salaries during company closures.

*Lastly, and possibly most important of all, if you are a Floridian fortunate enough to be completely healthy, and are not facing damages, flooding, lack of water, or power outages, please make sure you are doing your part to help those who have been hit hard by this catastrophe. Though there are many outside organizations coming in to aid the relief efforts, we must also be willing to help ourselves. It could be as simple as donating to a reputable cause such as the American Red Cross or making room in your fridge for a neighbor lacking electricity's food, to giving your time to help another neighborhood with their efforts to clean up debris and repair destroyed homes. Just make sure you are contributing in some way, because you never know when you yourself may need to rely on the kindness of others to get by.

Overall, despite the worst being over, everyone needs to make sure they are continuing to stay strong and help one another in the aftermath of Irma. Please reblog if you know anyone that could use this information. God bless everyone trying to get back to their normal lives and those aiding them in the relief efforts. Stay safe everyone. X