Some news: Last night more neighborhoods were evacuated due to potential slides. Piedad Road, Cathedral View, friends at 2 Mile, up Menaker Road. Lutak folks have made it to town around the slides out there. Some 50 households are waiting out the weather in town. Just in case.The search for the two people missing in the slide continued until dark (about 3) carefully, as the ground there is too unstable to be on, so mostly it was with boats and drones. The fire hall was filled with volunteers all day, waiting to work. It snowed and rained. A flash flood watch remains thru Sunday. Still– I heard from dog walking friends on the beach at dusk today that a 200 lb. Malamute that was too big for the skiff evacuating his owners and was left behind was rescued, and I heard that the two cats in that household were too. I hope that rumor is true.
It’s late on Friday night. I have been fielding phone calls and organizing local volunteers since 5 am, and very grateful to be helping. I have been waiting since March to be essential. As soon as I got the call to assist I said “yes!”. (Nevermind that organization is not my strong suit.) But people are, and I have a good memory, and take copius notes, so here I am. My Zoom book talk desk is now standing tall and ready for action, and has served me well all day.
Here is the good story: I have been contacted by so many people that want to help, but there is not all that much to do, because we are very good at taking care of each other, and don’t need to be assigned the task.The people that have been evacuated are safe in hotels, VBROs, with friends and family. Neighbors are taking care of neighbors. The American Legion has cooks and food. Facebook is full of neighborhood or friends group organizers, taking names for meal trains, baby sitting, ditch work. Then there are the local EMTs, search and rescue crews, public works, police and dispatch, an armada of local boats — so many, many helpers– The Coast Guard, State Troopers, Juneau rescue dogs and handlers.
I have had people volunteer that have had to leave their own homes. The ones I thought we were supposed to be helping — I don’t have an oven, but I have a car and can run errands– one woman said. A couple with a young child that were evacuated said they are available, but just one at a time because someone needs to babysit.
A friend called –I’m on washed out Soap Suds Alley with my backhoe. Tell the city to dump some gravel and I’ll spread it around and fix the road, for now.
Another woman said, I have four strong boys with shovels at the end of Mud Bay Road that need something to do.
Another, -Can I make a meal? Cookies?- And another and another. Many cooks feed us.
And more: I have admin experiance. I am a flagger for a construction company. I can take pictures. I have a an empty cabin and car if someone needs it. I can do anything you need me to.
I will take your name and number, I said, and call when or if we need you– but in the meantime, look around and do what needs to be done before someone asks (safely of course, Covid and condition-wise). Bring your cookies to the firehall, send the boys down your road to see who might need them. Heck, they can stack firewood for somebody. Bring soup to someone. Offer to run errands for anyone at the Aspen or Captain’s Choice motel. Call and talk to somebody. Create a text group with family or the neighbors for news and needs. Pay attention and be kind to everyone we are so fragile right now. When we need fresh troops of helpers, they will be ready to march.
Many of you from outside have asked how to help. We don’t need food and clothes or blankets or volunteers now, but may later so stay tuned. Donations for local organizations to use as needed are best. I have added a tab to click on, and will add links as I can. To learn more, go to KHNS news, and the Haines Borough Facebook page and website.
Tonight on KHNS Mayor Olerud said it is okay not to be okay. He said he isn’t either. Then his voice cracked.It’s hard, he said. It’s really tough to have people we love missing. And homes, and the ground beneath us letting go.Take care of each other and be safe, he said.
We are doing our best, and it’s very good. Tomorrow is another day.
