A chemical plant exploded in Livonia, Mi today. All I know is that it is off I-96. I have no Url. Evacuation was mandatory, but since it has been lifted. 22 people have been hospitalized. Yellow smoke was spewing into the air. EPA is in the area investigating the matter.

The kicker is that I know a true hardened polly that lives in Livonia right off I-96. Livonia isn't very big, so chances are he's very close to it. Maybe he had to evacuate. This guy believes nothing at all will happen in 2000, I mean a level 0. He has great faith in technology and mankind's ability to fix any problem that comes our way. His logic has been that mankind has been here for thousands of years, we've fought wars, had diseases, so certainly y2k is nothing. He believes that there are no signs whatsoever that mankind could be heading toward a serious time. He really got mad at me for warning others to the point of cussing at me big time. He really got nasty with me. Then he said that I'm involved in a religious cult. He even made some threats against me. Something that really pissed me off. I got to the point where I put an end to our communication.

While this incident probably had nothing to do with y2k, hearing this really made my day. Sounds terrible, but this is the point these pollies have gotten me to. I'm having a nice little snicker along with another GI. Yeah!!!!!!!!

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), October 29, 1999

Answers

Interesting... I guess refering to your guys as a religious cult is nothing new to that guy. I hear a lot of people using that term when it comes to "GI's". (Nice little cultish title you all can wear huh?)

Maybe you might want to ask yoursleves... does the shoe fit? Because it sure as hell as been given to you to try on enough times.

-- Not that other touchy "@"guy (_@_._), October 29, 1999.

@--

You're totally right, I've really expected to be labeled as "cultist" in the near future (as you can see it's already started). I know what this means and I expect and accept this label. I also found it very interesting that the (non-cultist polly) was threatening me, while thinking he's doing good. This is another, unquestionable and undenialable sign.

I use to warn people out of concern, but since that time, I've gotten worn out. There's no point anymore. Despite every laugh and snicker that I've had to endure I can't help but to still be concerned. But, I find it difficult to care anymore. This is the point I'm at. I'm still human.

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), October 29, 1999.

Who knows, maybe that guy had a bad experience with a cult?

Obviously wanting to warn people out of convern is a humanitarian thing to do. All I ask is that you find out whether or not there is really that much to be concerned about. I also think there is a fine line between concern and fear. I hope you stayed concerned.

-- (_@_._@_.), October 29, 1999.

sniff, sniff... something smells fishy..

-- polly trick (at@work.here?), October 29, 1999.

"Evacuation was mandatory, but since it has been lifted 22 people have been hospitalized...I'm having a nice little snicker."

Larry, having read some of your posts before, I'm hoping someone has stolen your user name. On a day like today on TB2000, it wouldn't be too surprising. But, in case this isn't a troll post...Larry, I have found your post deeply disturbing. If this is where your stress about pollies has brought you, you may be in need of some help. Trust me on this, Larry. There is nothing involving loss or harm to human life that should elicit "a nice little snicker" under any circumstances.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), October 29, 1999.

obviously you've never sat around a VFW hall and listened to some of the more hilarious war stories.... (and no i'm not kidding, some are absolutely ball bouncingly funny)

-- jeremiah (braponspdetroit@hotmail.com), October 29, 1999.

The story, from Channel 7 Action news - with Real Video, is HERE

-- PJC (paulchri@msn.com), October 29, 1999.

I work in Livonia, Michigan near 5 mile and Middlebelt. Our business received a phone call from the police telling us to shut all windows because of a chemical spill at Levan and Schoolcraft in Livonia. We went around the whole building closing windows. My sister works at a plant right next to this one. She was sent home from work as were all in the area.

This is a legitimate story.

-- LOON (blooney10@aol.com), October 29, 1999.

Jeremiah, Ever hear of 'gallows humor'? It's what keeps cops and emergency personnel relatively sane. And able to go back out on the next 6 vehicle pileup or overturned bus on an icy highway. They try not to let the survivors and relatives hear, but if they weren't able to make use of this safety valve, they'd be washed up. Just my .02 worth. Keep up your preps, all.

-- Virlie (MstMtnRain@aol.com), October 29, 1999.

Ruok--

If this is where your stress about pollies has brought you, you may be in need of some help. Trust me on this, Larry.

I agree. Chances are you are probably right. As you can see, I'm honest. I've never lied on this forum. The original true facts may get distorted due to the evolving story. But the fact remains. There was an incident in Livonia today. 40 people were hosptialized with chest pains and so on. Nobody died. The all clear was given. The chemicals released turned out to be non-toxic. However, there are a few concerns regarding the building.

But please don't ruin my day. It's still been a good one. I'm a little disappointed that the fumes turned out to be non-toxic. It's too bad, because now this incident will be soon forgotten and the pollies will continue on their merry way with their heads in the sand. We need something terrible to happen to wake these pollies up. They won't learn until a catastrophe happens. By the time they do get it, then millions of lives will be lost. However, the bright spot is that, Levan and Schoolcraft is the exact crossroads of where the polly lives!! This really topped the evening off!!! It really made my day even sweeter!!! There's nothing like a good scare right in a pollies own back yard.

However, before you pass judgement on me, think of all the people these pollies are potentially killing by discouraging people like me from telling the truth. I'm being told to keep my mouth shut or else. I was threatened by this guy. He deserved this to happen and rightly so.

But getting to the point on y2k. Even if our infrastructure does manage to hold, we are still far from out of the woods. Let's give the pollies the embedded chip issue. Let's say they are right. We've still got a very big problem (actually many issues besides y2k in 2000) on our hands. Tons of software continue to remain uncomplaint. When businesses start to fail, which they undoubtably will, a depression will ensue. It's really only a question of when. Think of all those people without food. Think of the problems that could have been avoided. What a shame. And this is what upsets me. I think of those innocent kids. Think of those fathers who refused to listen to people like me just because the consequences sounded like something out of Revelation. And to be threatened on top of it. Yes, I do feel resentment. But not for me, but the lives of others.

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), October 29, 1999.

Larry,

Thanks for answering. Yes, I see you are very truthful, which I do appreciate. I'm not holding you in judgement, not my style. But, I am concerned about your reaction to this. Disappointment that the fumes were non-toxic to the 40 people hospitalized for chest pains is a cause for alarm.

Larry, in a sense, Y2K is already over. Whatever's going to happen, will happen, and it's really too late to change its course. Maybe it's time for a Y2K break? We don't have much time, and if things get as bad as you think they might, each day of "normal" life is precious. I'm sorry somebody made threats against you, but might you consider not allowing him so much power over your well-being? The guy is living rent-free in your mind.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), October 30, 1999.

Ruok --

Funny you mentioned it. As a matter of fact, the guy is living rent free with his mom and dad. He's 40 years old!! That's the truth. He's a taker in this life, not a giver.

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), October 30, 1999.

Shelter In Place: Make Your Kits

Shelter In Place

aka SIP

[ Courtesy of ECHO Caer Group, Emergency Communications for Hazardous Operations, taught through the Portland, Oregon Fire Dept Training Center ]

[ For Educational Purposes ]

"There may be a time when an emergency takes place in your community due to an airborne toxic chemical release. The outside air quality may be affected to the point that it is not safe to be outside or evacuate. In a case like this it is usually safer to shelter-in-place until wind disperses and moves the toxic chemical away.

NOTIFICATION

Many, but not all, facilities (chemical/industrial plants) and emergency vehicles have alarm, siren, horn, or similar notification devices or systems. A three to five minute continuous signal means:

"Turn on TV or radio. Listen for essential emergency information."

These various signal devices may use different tones. The key is that they will be continuously activated for three to five minutes. If you hear this signal go inside immediately and turn on your radio or TV.

For Airborne toxic chemical releases the safest immediate action is to shelter-inplace while listening for further instructions.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

1. Move inside immediately and turn on radio or TV for emergency information.
Proceed right away to:

2. Close all windows and doors.

3. Turn off ventilation systems. Remember heating, cooling, air pumps, bathroom fans, kitchen fans, oven/stove ventilation fans, dryer exhaust, chemney/fireplace vents, etc.

4. In buildings, go into and seal a room if possible.

5. Continue to listen to radio or TV for further instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS

Go inside the nearest structure such as a home, school, store, public building. Bring pets inside if practical. If indoors already, stay there. Turn on radio or TV for emergency information. If you are in a vehicle, close all windows, manual vents and ventilation systems.

In a structure:
Shut all windows, doors, chimney or fire place vents. This includes everything that can quickly and easily be closed to prevent the chemical from entering.

Turn off forced air heating or cooling systems. Turn of stove and bathroom exhaust fans.

Go into a room, preferably with no, or few, windows or outside air vents. If possible seal doors, windows, vents, etc. with plastic and tape or wet rags.

Continue to listen to the radio or TV on a local emergency alert system station until the emergency is over or until you are given instruction to evacuate. (Use a battery powered radio if the power is off.)

SHELTER IN PLACE PRE-PLANNING

It is important that you have a plan for your home or business for sheltering-in-place. Some key steps in this plan are:

* Knowing what doors and windows are likely to be open and assigning some one to check and close and LOCK them. Locking seals better.

* Knowing where the manual vents are and how to close them.

* Knowing where forced air heating or cooling controls/power exhaust vents are and how to turn them off.

* Knowing what room you will go to and how to seal it. Have a kit pre-prepared for this consisting of things such as plastic sheeting, strong tape, duct tape, rags, towels, water, snacks, etc.
Pre-cut the plastic to completely seal all windows and doors and any vents in your designated shelter room. With easy-to-see large labels, clearly mark on the plastic which opening/window/door/vent it fits.

* Have a radio (preferably two). Have one electric and one battery operated radio in the room you've identified. Know the emergency alert system station(s) for your area and have the station numbers written on a piece of tape attached to the radio.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Most chemical release incidents are short-term in nature. But for any potential emergency situation, always keep an adequate supply of contained food and water sources, flashlights, first aid kit, batteries, a portable radio, essential medicines and other essentials. Practice safety drills to be prepared and know the emergency plans for your workplace and schools.

WHAT TO DO IN A CHEMICAL EMERGENCY (SHELTER-IN-PLACE)

When a release or spill is identified, some chemical plants dispatch trained emergency responders to quickly assess the situation and plan an approrpiate response. If offsite impacts are possible, local response agencies (Emergency Management Agency, Fire Department, etc) are contacted and consulted with. The local response agencies will then decide what actions, if any, are necessary to protect the surrounding community.

[ Note: these instructions were not written with Y2K in mind, when communications may be overwhelmed or out and emergency responders completely overwhelmed. ]

Sheltering inside a building is considered to be a proven method of protecting yourself and your family in the event of an accidental release.

IF ASKED TO SHELTER IN PLACE

* Close all doors to the outside and close and lock all windows (windows sometimes seal better when locked);

* Turn off ventilation systems;

* Monitor the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station for updates and remain in shelter until authorities indicate it is safe to come out.

Select a room in the building where occupants can be the most comfortable and which is easy to seal off. This room should, if possible, provide access to water, toilet facilities, and adequate room for people to sit or lie down. The room should have a battery-powered radio, snack foods, and bottled water.

Many people opt for the master bedroom area with bathroom.

If the gas or vapor is soluble or even partially soluble in water -- hold a wet cloth or handkerchief over your nose and mouth if the gases start to bother you. For a higher degree of protection, go into the bathroom, close the door, and turn on the shower in a strong spray to "wash" the air. Seal any openings to the outside of the bathroom as best as you can. Don't worry about running out of air to breathe. That is highly unlikely in normal homes and buildings.

Be sure to make Shelter-In-Place kits, with pre-cut, marked heavy plastic and strong tape to seal your closed doors, windows, vents, exhaust systems -- anywhere anything from outside could get in. Keep your kit accessible in the designated room. Make sure all members of the family know what the kit is for, how to use it, and why. Drill and practice Sheltering-In-Place.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), October 30, 1999.