On October 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy devastated the northeast. High winds swept across Long Island taking down houses, treesand utility poles, leaving over one million residents without power and many people homeless. The roads were blocked with the fallen trees and debris; electrical wires were tangled in the trees, it was a real mess. It was a sight I had never seen before, except maybe on the news not in my hometown. Many people lost their life’s processions that day, but safety and life itself are far more valuable. These drawings were made the first 4 days of what is now truly a disaster.
People quickly sprung into action, neighbors helping neighbors. The NY DOT and other state and local agencies were out beginning the assessment of the damage and starting the cleanup. Daytime quickly turned to darkness. We were so thankful for the local businesses that operated on generator power; they were like a beacon in the night.
Work crews traveled from as far as Arizona to help restore power back to Long Island. The crews worked relentlessly around the clock.
The Red Cross Disaster Relief setup at the H. Lee Dennision building in Hauppauge to distribute food. Everyone was so appreciative for the food after long days of cleanup.
The sounds of work crews and heavy equipment changed to the sounds of generators. People were hooking up generators to their homes for heat as the temperatures were dropping quickly. With so much devastation it was difficult for trucks to get to the island for deliveries of gasoline, food and all the essentials. There was no gas to be had. When a delivery of gas did come lines people waited for hours with their gas cans in hopes of getting some fuel to provide relief from the cold.
The power is still out in most of my community .We are grateful for all the volunteers that risked their lives to save others and the Red Cross Disaster Relief for the food and necessities they are providing.
