Wednesday, March 21, 2012
P.O.T.S #3
You and your family are in imminent danger. There has been an emergency broadcast informing citizen to take refuge north 25 miles beyond the limits of the city of Orange. You have three minutes to prepare an emergency pack. There is no public transportation available and other resources are limited. How many people are you traveling with - who are they and ages? What will you take with you and why? Write your first journal entry to chronicle your thoughts and concerns for what might be a long displacement.
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March 21, 2012
ReplyDeleteMy parents left just hours after the emergency broadcast was sent on air. I had to worry about myself now, as waiting for my parents to come back would have be too time consuming. I grabbed any essentials that I could in the time given: toothbrush and tooth paste, two days worth of clothing, a bottle of water, my phone, and the photo of my father, who I haven't seen in three years. Everything else, like my beloved video games, would have been too heavy to carry and just wear me down. With everything I needed in my backpack, I left the house, knowing that I may never return.
I headed north, in the direction of Paterson. I started to worry that my parents wouldn't call me. It has only been an hour, and I already started to miss them.
I was startled when my ears finally understood what the announcer, on the radio, uttered out of his bias mouth. my thoughts began to bounce off the walls and threatened to leave me numb. My father, older sister, two younger sisters are trapped in connecticut!!, the blazing issue echoed in my head. I have to act quickly if I was going to find them. I've never been one to go on wild expeditions, but there is no time for hesitation, no time for second guessing. I immediately grab a large duffle bag from the close in the livingroom, I make my way through the house ripping apart perfectly packed drawers and the refrigerator trying to find food for both me and my family. I pack bread, plenty of canned food, and, of course, two gallons of water. I open the kitchen drawers and grab the can opener and three knifes, fit whatever reasons we might need them. On my way back to the bedrooms, in my attempt to get clothes for them, two sets each, I called, my cousin, Junior , to ask for his assistance. He agreed to accompany me, and after I got the clothes and one pair of shoes for each and myself, I run into the bathroom to get and grabbed three large bottles of body wash, toothbrushes, combs, plenty of rolls of toilet paper, and some medicine, in case we need it. I go into the room that I share with my little sister and took one of her stuffed animals because I know she would be needing out more than ever, I took my phone off of the charger, and the only remaining picture of my mother because I knew that without this photo, we would soon forget what she looked like, I doing want my little sisters to forget her. Only 30 minutes had passed when I was done getting all that think we will need I head out to go meet my cousin, he was only 19, but with his facial hair and build, he looked older. Luckily, he brought my other cousin johnny, who was also 19 because I would need the extra help with the load; since I had to take a extra smaller bag fit all my things; together, we start or journey to connecticut
ReplyDeleteThe day I am home alone is the day this broadcast was aired. My family could not come in contact with me because they left their chargers at the house while they were on vacation in Canada. While I pack my emergency kit I am thinking, "Why am I the last to know?" My emergency kit will consist of money, all of my bathroom necessities like deoderant, soap, toilet tissue, a towel, etc., a few outfits, my phone, laptop, and everyone's chargers. Luckily everything fit into a nice small conveininent travel bag. Only problem is, how the heck am I going to get Canada?! Pacing back and forth, thinking of ways I could travel without exerting too much energy, I finally find a way to get there. I run to the basement and blow the dust off of my bike that I had for several years. Hopefully it isn't too old that it'll disinigrate right under my bottom. I strap my travel bag to the back of my bike and try to find directions to Canada by bike. Of course the internet wouldn't have anything because they think it will be completly impossible for someone to travel north of the country by bike. On my way out, I make sure I have everything knowing that I might not be back home for a while. I was planning on asking people who might've been outside at the time the directions. No one is in sight. Millions of questions boggle my mind. Where is everybody? How did this even happen? Why didn't anyone tell me? All alone in the City of Orange, I start my journey toward Canada praying that I am going the right way.
ReplyDeleteOh my Lord, it really happened. The fault line under New Jersey has quaked and we must evacuate immediately. Innately, I call Abdul because this is his specialty. It's sad but I must find a way to transport my family quickly and safely, particularly my parents, because they are old, frail, and weak. Rule #1: Never travel with the weak, only young, agile MEN under the age of 25 and over the age of 12. I cannot begin to engage in futuristic thoughts because I have to think about now. I must pack light: water. Water is all I need to survive and we can pick up scraps of food on our way up North. My friends begin to flash into head as the public service announcement rings loudly. I quickly snap out of it; thoughts waste too much time, I must leave as soon as possible. I repress all thoughts of joyous moments my friends and I had, sadness I may feel when I think of what may happen to them, and life. Why think at this point? Life is not important right now, living is. I step out the door and say goodbye as my family goes with the next door neighbors in their car. As much as I wanted to join them, I had to go. I had to prove to them and myself, I'm not the "baby" anymore. The rode may be dangerous but I'll survive. Hopefully...
ReplyDeleteWhy is the city being evacuated??? Where are my brothers, mother and I going to go??? Okay all I have to do is get myself together and think clearly the first thing I know I need to do is think and help my mother the best I can manage brothers. These were the thoughts that ran through my head as my mother and I sat listening to the radio stating that everyone in Orange had to evacuate. The first thing I did was grabbed my duffle bag and filled it with plenty of food, water, clothes, blankets, matches, phone batteries and chargers, my laptop, comfortable walking shoes, towels and rags, money,and id and a few toys to keep my baby brothers occupied. After everything was packed I immediately ran to my mother and quickly explained why I packed everything. I said that the food water and clothing was for when we got hungry or needed to change clothes or sleep and the matches were for a fire just in case a fire needed to be started phone batteries and charges so my mother my brothers and I could stay in touch my laptop to keep and update on the news walking shoes to stay comfortable towels and rags to keep ourselves clean money for anything that we may need id so if someone needs to know if we are legal american citizens and toys so when we stop walking my brothers will be occupied. After everything was explained to my mother she quickly grabbed my brothers hands threw me the bag and we began walking. Scared if what this long journey may bring upon us I began to pray to god that my family and I make it out of Orange safely without any harm being done to any of use. I sure hope that he answers my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAs I sat in ,my living room watching a re-run of All Grown Up, an emergency broadcast came on interrupting my show.At first I thought this was one of the broadcast that didn't really care about,so I walk to my kitchen to get another bowl of cereal,as I heard the reporter saying we had to evacuate north 25miles beyond Orange,New Jersey.For a second I was in panic mode then I snap back into reality and I had to tell my parents.I searched the entire house not finding my parents or my sibling so I tried calling,I didn't get any answer and time was running out.I packed all that was important so that the weight of what I was packing wouldn't weigh me down.I went to my room packed at least three change of clothes,then I head to the kitchen and grabbed as many bottles of water that I can possibly need,and them to the pantry and packed food that was in a tin;who knows how long I might be out for.As for technology,I took my phone,laptop,my iPad,all my chargers and a flash drive which had a couple of important information from my desktop.I went to get a heavy jacket and a good pair of sneakers to walk in,and then I was out through the door.As I began my journey towards New York I started to worry about the where a bouts of my family then I dialed again,still no answer.After walking for miles I rested for five minutes checking the news updates and then drifted of to sleep,with the hope of hearing from my family soon.
ReplyDeleteWalking home from track & field practice, with the nagging feeling that something wasn’t totally right from the start; seeing many people on the run, I couldn’t take it any longer. I rush home with fatigue because of a long practice to a deserted house, calling my parents and siblings with the answering call of a deafen silence. Checking the phones for any messages with the disconnecting sound as my only answer, I went to the T.V. to see what was happening to come to the full acknowledgement that there has been an emergency broadcast informing citizen to take refuge north 25 miles beyond the limits of the city of Orange. I acted so fast like I never done before in my entire life when packing. I immediately took a backpack and stuffing my toothbrush, cash, two of each of my jeans, long sleeve shirt, t-shirt and underwear, with exception of what I was wearing; water bottles and many fruits in the house because they’re the only thing that I need for the short journey. With my cell phone in hand, I tried dialing my mother’s fathers and sister’s number with no response. Rushing out of the house, I try my best to convince my self conscience that maybe they got out ok and where already on their way to a safe place. My parents always tell me that if there ever was some problem similar to that to go to my aunt’s house in Montreal. I just hope that luck’s on my side with all the chaos going on the road ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt is rare that I am home at a reasonable hour to be with the family. When the broadcast was posted the children and my mother were watching TV. Since my mother and cousin like to stay close to home, they decided not to travel with us. My mother used the excuse - I don't want to slow you down - which prompted my cousin - I'll stay with Auntie.
ReplyDeleteSo it's just me and my siblings (the 5 children enjoying TV). B -9 has to pack a change two change of clothes, two items of comfort and distraction in her back pack, a bottle of water and snack; this same directive is given to the other four children, ages 12, 15, 16, 17. I through together a pack of clothing and extra water an snack for the ride; with only a half tank of gas we will head toward Montclair and Nutley.
I was only able to take my journal - maybe i will be able to write everything down to chronicle life from this moment - and a book, which ever title was on the nightstand. As we say our good-byes the streets are quietly chaotic. The drive is long since I must answer the questions of my two youngest siblings. "no, I don't know if and when we are coming back. We hope that mommy and them will be fine."
B interrupts,"Where is Margo taking her family?"
I had forgotten to call her. I wonder if she will take the kids to in-laws and wait things out there. Soon everyone is engaged in sleep or games, but the hush fills the van giving me time to pray and make plan...where do we go from here.
You and your family are in imminent danger. There has been an emergency broadcast informing citizen to take refuge north 25 miles beyond the limits of the city of Orange. You have three minutes to prepare an emergency pack. There is no public transportation available and other resources are limited. How many people are you traveling with - who are they and ages? What will you take with you and why? Write your first journal entry to chronicle your thoughts and concerns for what might be a long displacement.
ReplyDelete` My family headed to Canada to see my relatives for the weekend, leaving me responsible to watch over my brother and dog. I've just finished taking my dog out, while my brother sits on the floor playing video games. He decides to relax for a moment and watch some cartoons. I walk towards him, as my dog runs past me. As my brother watches t.v. he quickly turns his head and tells me to come over. As I turn my head to look at the t.v. I've noticed a warning. I read it carefully, so that I may it explain it to my brother. After I finish, I told my brother how important it is to leave now. I put him in charge of snacks and entertainment, as I'm responsible for the clothes. I pack 3 changes of clothes, socks, a pair of shoes, first aid kit, blankets, sleeping bags, deodorant, toilet paper and 3 books, my phone, and my permit. When I told my brother to come, he brung dog food, packed lunches (including fruits) bottles juice and water, his gameboy, and nintendo dsi (with all his game chips), uno cards. We all went with my dog to the car. We had trouble lifting my dog onto the van, but we managed. We all headed towards Montclair, for some safety.
Glen Ridge... That's where we'll go.
ReplyDeleteMy phone is dead, and my boy friend, Rayvaughn -17, and I are stranded in the empty, green, oversized Orange Park with his little, black, and white Shih-Tsu, Dice. Everything around us is as dark as the night sky, on a late summer day in August. Where is that light coming from? I do remember that song the old slaves used to lead them away from slavery, Follow the Drinking Gourd. The slaves were singing to... Follow the north star! It's clear now. Rayvaughn wants to play protector, and try to be strong in front of me, but I can tell it's wearing off. As little as Dice is, he is as brave as me, we do have the same birthday. Well. I guess this is it Orange. I have no time and no other choice but to go north, following the north star. I need to make my iPod's battery last long, but Rayvaughn's phone still functions. Maybe we will run out of food, and water, but there's no time for that. It seems the ground behind the star is turning black, fading away into a dark hour. We must hurry now. No walking, we have to run. I'm fortunate enough to carry my life in my bag. Chargers, pens, notepad, hygiene products, blistex... OH! Right. No telling if I'll write another entry, but good-bye for now. Or forever?
Dear diary,
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday i was told to evacuate my home. the town I was raised in for 7 going on 8 years. I just came home from the bank and hair salon when I saw a note on my door. I climbed in through the window since the door was gated shut. I grabbed my duffel bag and threw my whole first and second drawer in there. I ran out in a haste grabbing my motor scooter and went on my way. with both my purse and duffel bag with me, I was already on the road. I saw everyone rushing towards the freeway so I decided to take the same route. I wondered about my family, friends and neighbors. I didn't know where they were but most likely my family grabbed their celephones along with them. They could never forget them. At that moment i noticed that I was alone, hoping that I meet up with one of them along the road. Luckily I have my debit card on me, wait let me check...yep, right in my purse. And $140 cash on me. I was planning on paying my dad and I's phone bill. Looks like its going to be used for survival instead. I took out my ipod and went on the GPS app. I didn't know where I was going. I had to think. Then after 1 minutee it came to me; I'm going to Canada where my aunt lives. Montreal to be exact. Oh that makes a lot of sense, that's where my family is probably headed. Ok, so I have a plan, cool. That was yesterday. Today I made a stop at the deli in Danbury, Connecticut. I see many people on the freeway rushing about. I saw one of my friends and her family. They seem hysterical. I didn't bother to call out to them since they were already freaking out. Luckily I walk around with a box of wipes in my purse as well as hand sanitizer, tissue, lotion, mini toothbrush and toothepaste, wallet, comb, phone, ipod, chargers and Carmex in my purse. Oh yea, plus you and a pen. Well its time to be on my way again. I'll see if I'll come to you again tomorrow or maybe the day after. I only hope that everyone else is okay and I'll meet up with my family along the way. I'll try to call them on my phone but only once cause who knows when i'll be able to charge my phone again.
When the annoucement played on my televsion screen, I was half awake after staying up to catch some Adult Swim. When I heard I had to evacuate Orange, I immediately got up to grab my book bag. I only packed it with a bottle of blue magic, this journal, a pen, and my idea book (to jot down quick ideas for a story or comic when I got bored.) I could've bought my cellphone or bottles of water, or even some spare clothes. But I thought about it. I'm probably gonna die anyway, so why bother giving myself all that extra stuff that I don't even care for. None of my family members were around, so I just left out the house. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should've bought extra clothes, since it doesn't seem cool to walk around with Astro Boy footsie pajamas. While I was walking, I heard people saying that they were heading for Canada and other areas up north. I decided to be that odd guy and go to Mexico. I mean, who doesn't like tacos? I mean, I do... mmmmmm tacos.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for this. Call me paranoid, crazy or an all-out extremist but I’ve had survival plans A-Z written out to the last period for the last three years and I’m ready to go. Natural disaster, government collapse, end of the world...you name it and I’ve thought of it, researched it and planned for it TO THE MAX. Already hidden under my bed is an internal Frame pack (macro-lite; water resistant; adjustable suspensions...)packed with essentials (socks, rain-gear, gloves, knife, first-aid kit, sewing kit, tape, matches, flashlight, batteries, radio, compass, rope, water purification tablets, microfiber sleeping bag, ammunition, some clothes, non-perishable food, water, cash, identification, medications, mosquito repellant and hygienic supplies) and everything that I need if the world decides that its had enough of our shenanigans and blows up with the intent of killing us all (yeah, very melodramatic I know…). I’ve got my bible and some paper (because somebody needs to record it all) and a photograph of a person I will always remember. Obviously I’m not going to head out to my destination on a bicycle because that is the quickest way to getting mugged, beaten, and sent on my way to meet my maker. Walking is much more low key and I want to be as invisible and obscure as possible. I’ve thought about just abandoning the fam and going about my way alone, but man that’s a whole lot of guilt to live with… So I’m taking them with me. In all, it will be my grandmother (75), mother (early 50s), sister (19) brother (13) and aunt/godmother (late twenties) which is about 5 people excluding me. I realized a long time ago that a group of traveling females and old people in a world that’s about to turn chaotic isn’t a good thing so half of us are going to be disguised as guys. I wonder… Is this the beginning? I mean, first of all, the fact that no one’s telling us what this “imminent danger” is just makes me suspicious. Second, I don’t trust the government to tell us the whole truth anyway so anything they say, I’m not taking at face value. Thirdly, I’m going to prepare for the worst that can possibly happen so I don’t get any fatal surprises later on. And Last, I’m gonna act like this is the last time I’ll ever see this place because you know what, it may be. And forget 25 miles, I’m going to Canada. I know, it doesn’t seem rational but somehow I’ve never seen the U.S as the place to be if something catastrophic goes down. There’s so much violence and crime here already I dread to think of how people will act if the apocalypse or a natural disaster is happening. So to be entirely safe, I’m going to Canada, reason be danged, and when this whole thing blows out, it’ll have just been another crazy adventure in my big book of crazy adventures. I’m not worried which is beyond stupid because there are so many things I should be worrying out, so many ifs and buts to consider, so many endless possibilities that I’ve never thought of... But you know what, that’s for the big guy up there to worry about while I just have faith that everything’s gonna turn out fine. The most important thing to do right now is to just keep my head and act sensibly so I don’t make any stupid mistakes. And I’ll take it all in, adapt, and do what I gotta do to survive.
ReplyDelete