My friend Anna, a young mother of a toddler, lives in an area of large fir trees. During a recent snow storm, one of the trees gave up its earthly hold and fell through the roof of Anna's house. A bathroom was damaged, the ceiling light hanging loose, water and snow pouring in. She immediately went on Facebook, describing the occurrence and asking 'what do I do? I have no idea!'
The answers, from her female friends, were appallingly pathetic, weak, unhelpful, and ineffectual. I am so disappointed. I expected more from this group of bright, educated, worldly young women.
-I will pray for you...
-Turn the bathroom light off. Call Andy! (the husband)
-Turn out all lights and wait until Andy gets there. Don't go into that room. Praying! Hugs!
Oh, for god's sake! There are some pioneer women struggling to get out of their graves to kick some ass. I thought we had taught our young women better.
I wrote:
-Turn off the breakers to the bathroom and any other room effected.
-If you can safely put buckets under the leaks, do it.
-Call your insurance company for a referral to a tree removal service and to get an adjustor out.
-Notify the nonemergency number for the police/fire dispatch for an information only notice.
-Call the utilities; electricity, gas, sewer, cable.
-If you can't get help, call me. I know folks who can secure your home by nightfall.
Now, THAT'S advice, ladies. Hugs and prayers won't keep the rain off your prized possessions or make sure there isn't a gas leak. Make us older women feel like you can handle things. Or, we'll take back the world...
