After Hurricane Ivan hit the Northern Gulf coast far away from
New Orleans, I felt the pressure come off of my shoulders. I watched
the entire calamity from my Houston area hotel room. I knew all
to well the pressure came off of my shoulders and landed squarely
on the shoulders of others. We had evacuated New Orleans to a
much safer area in Houston. Our hurricane season had been an absolute
crazy one. Our products are perfect for these types of power loss
and emergency backup applications and sales rocketed forward.
Upon returning to New Orleans, I was surprised by a call to a
family member expressing how bad the storm had hit Pensacola.
They were completely without power and were in need of assistance.
I had my xPower 1500 and solar panel for emergencies sitting around
the house so decided to pitch in.
I also had several orders for power packs in the Pensacola and
Mobile area. Knowing that Fed ex wouldn't be delivering for some
time, I decided to deliver them myself. I arranged a trip the
next morning and planned on delivering several power packs to
happy customers and elated family. I brought our family members
a plethora of much needed hurricane supplies.
I hopped in my truck at 6:00AM in New Orleans heading to Pensacola
packed with Drinking Water, Ice, Gasoline, Generator, Xpower 1500,
Solar Panel, Food. I filled up my truck upon leaving and that
proved to be a wise decision later in the day.
I saw hundreds of vehicles heading to the east with loads of
supplies for their friends and families. I wasn't sure how far
I could go on I-10 since I knew sections of it had washed away.
( See Above Picture )
Upon arriving in the Hurricane devastated area I was amazed at
how many trees were completely downed by the storm. Trees that
were left standing were mostly bare and splintered. It was almost
like winter had come in September.
We all know how valuable maps on the internet can be. They are
very valuable when driving to unknown areas. This holds true as
long as the street signs are still standing. Most were not or
had twisted so many times that it was merely by chance that they
might point to some useable location.
I was also surprised how many traffic signals were completely
gone. The National Guard troops were directing traffic and keeping
overall order. All radio stations were broadcasting on a Hurricane
Emergency Pattern. People overall were friendly and were glad
to see deliveries of supplies. We were asked to leave as soon
as delivering supplies, as not to increase the burden on an already
taxed and decimated system.
Here are a few pictures of my adventure to Pensacola. I was truly
moved by the devastation and my heart went out to all that were
affected.
Mature Pine and Oak trees snapped like toothpicks.
This church has seen better days from it's trees.
These were gas lines as far away as Alabama. They were miles
long in Pensacola. This is why solar and power packs may a nice
option since weather is often good after a Hurricane.
I guess they may not be open for coffee. I couldn't tell if the
lights were on!
This was horrible devastation.
This little setup provided 39 cooler nights for my extended family.
Every day it charged, while every night it ran fans and a small
TV set.
Click here For more information on the Xpower 1500
