I’ve gathered a couple of helpful and interesting words from Twitter:
First of all, to help with disaster relief, text the message REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The money will be added to your next cell phone bill.
Second, one of Nashville’s two water treatment facilities is under water and out of pocket. The other went from 66% percent reserves to 48% in two days. Yipers! Cool People Care posted this useful article (which I’ve copied in full here; hopefully Sam won’t mind.):
Here’s how to cut your usage by one-half.
City officials in Nashville are asking people to cut their water usage by one half. The math seems easy, but the call is too abstract. The intentions are great, but the call isn’t urgent enough – nor is it easy to understand.
After all, who out there can tell me – right now – how many gallons of water you use each day? Anyone? Of course not. It’s not something you normally keep track of. You never needed to. It was never a concern. You could easily tell me what you spent at Starbucks yesterday or how often you fill your gas tank. But no one knows how much water they use. How then can you know if you cut your usage by 50%?
Instead, the city needs to be direct on how to use (or not use) water. Don’t give me vague numbers. Tell me what to do. If they won’t, we will.
- Don’t wash your car. Don’t.
- Cut off your sprinkler system at home and at work (we’re looking at you, Bicentennial Mall).
- Smell your armpits. Do you stink? No? Don’t shower. Your friends will still be your friends.
- Don’t wash your clothes unless you’re out of underwear. Put on jeans and a T shirt and go to work. If your boss gives you crap, let him know there is a flood.
- Let the dirty dishes stack up. No one will judge you.
- Use and reuse the same drinking glass all day.
- If you must shower, get in and out in four minutes. Set a timer. Be diligent.
- Don’t shave. Armpits, legs, face, back, or knuckles.
- Your dog? He can also go without a bath for a few days.
- It’s time to use a bucket. Any time you turn the faucet on, catch the water and use it to wash what needs washing. Don’t toss it out or just let it run down the drain.
Chances are, if you do the above, you’ll cut your usage by more than half. But who’s counting?
Next, find a way to help. The church I’m a member of posted these ways on their blog:
Rolling Hills Family,
As you know, our community has been hit hard the past 36 hours. As the waters diminish, we are evaluating needs and mobilizing volunteers to help in the rebuilding of lives in our community. If you would like to partner with us in these relief efforts, here are ways you can help:
Immediate Ways to Help
Help us collect these essential items that will be redistributed to families in need in our community. Donations can be dropped off at the WareHouse any time between 8 am and 5 pm.
Food and Hygiene Supplies
Individual Prepackaged Snacks (granola bars, chips, crackers, etc.)
- Bottled Watter
- Shampoo
- Bars of Soap
- Combs
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorants
- Feminine Products
- Other Toiletry Items
Clean-up Supplies
Trash Bags
- Bleach
- All-purpose Cleaners
- Rags
- Shovels
- Mops
- Extension chords
- Gas Powered Generators
- Water Pumps
Cash Donations (Make sure the “Help with Flood Relief Efforts” field is selected from the drop-down.)
Let Us know Your Needs
If you or a neighbor have been affected by the storm and could use immediate or long-term assistance for clean-up, supplies, or just someone to talk to, please email Jason Hale;or call 615-823-0277.
Volunteer Your Time
If you are interested in being put on a team to help with those who may have needs, please email Lisa Rollins with your name, cell number and availability (i.e. I am available Tuesday afternoons, Saturdays, etc.) You will be contacted as the need for teams in the community arise.
You’re amazing, Nashville!
Aerial scenes of flooding from The Tennessean.
The Unreliable Narrator 