Reality Check

**Pal334** · 10-23-2009, 07:13 PM

This is an event that is currently occuring within a major population center in the USA and for some reason is getting very little coverage.
http://www.reuters.com/article/press...09+PRN20091023

Currently 15 gasoline storage tanks at a Shell refinery in San Juan , Puerto Rico are ablaze. It appears to be a deliberate act of sabotage,possibly due to some unrest that is occurring due to massive layoffs of Common Wealth employees. The article above describes 150 family evacuations, however a recent news conference has upped that to approximately 1,000. The toxic plume of smoke could up that total significantly.

My reason for bringing it to the forums attention is that it is an example of a scenario that could alter your plans in the event of a disaster . I personally plan to stay in place whenever possible. I have friends in the vicinity of this event (my vacation home is about 10 miles away), and having talked to them,it is readily apparent they they have not thought out adequately a bug out event. Their plans (hurricanes primarily) were to stay in place.

Just food for thought. If you google "explosion in Puerto Rico", you can see more images

**crashdive123** · 10-23-2009, 07:16 PM

We've got quite a bit of fuel storage in the area (major sea port, military bases, etc.). A good thing to consider and look at (distances, prevailing winds, possible disruption to traffic, etc.)

**Rick** · 10-23-2009, 07:33 PM

Yesterday, a propane tanker was passing underneath the primary artery around Indianapolis (465) when the trailer came loose and struck one of the concrete pillars on the bridge. The resulting explosion was pretty impressive. I saw the black cloud billow up and it was at least 15 miles away. 465 may be closed for several months if the bridge inspection discovers problems.

These events happen everyday somewhere in this country and Pal is right on the mark to remind us of the need to be urber observant.

**Matt86** · 10-23-2009, 07:44 PM

I just looked up some of the pictures and that explosion was no joke! I hope your Friends over there and your vacation home are alright. I agree that we need to take EVERYTHING into consideration when it comes to having a emergency plan...its not only mother nature that can put us in a bad situation.

**Pal334** · 10-23-2009, 08:12 PM

An ancillary of this to consider is that for the last couple weeks there has been a significant amount of civil disturbance on the island. By keeping an eye on your environment, you can get an idea of the possibities of trouble. So in this event you can see at least three of the scenarios that a cautious person is looking out for:

Large scale Civil disturbance
A large potential target (oil refinery)
And a terrorist act (in this case domsetic)

Don't let their mistakes go by without learning from them

My property is far enough away so it will only experience some sooting. And a few of my friends will be weathering the incident there. And probably drinking my beer and booz

**NCO** · 10-23-2009, 08:20 PM

If something really bad happen's, I'll be called back to active service... And besides I still believe in winging it..

**Matt86** · 10-23-2009, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Pal334

And probably drinking my beer and booz

well...what are friends for?

**rebel** · 10-23-2009, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the up-date Pal.. I'm scheduled to go there later this month for a lil' business.

**crashdive123** · 10-23-2009, 08:31 PM

Pal - have you ever been to the Conquistador? I was fortunate enough to be "quartered" there by Squadron for a brief period.

**Pal334** · 10-23-2009, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by rebel

Thanks for the up-date Pal.. I'm scheduled to go there later this month for a lil' business.

Lots of good places around for sure. Make sure you check a week or so ahead of time. With those 20k commonwealth employees (including police and fire) being let go, it will be touch and go for a while. If you are going to the Pharm companys near Bayamon or Catano, they are right at ground zero for now

**Pal334** · 10-23-2009, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

Pal - have you ever been to the Conquistador? I was fortunate enough to be "quartered" there by Squadron for a brief period.

Oh yes I have

I bought in at pre construction rates for a condo there at 45K, and in a fit of brilliance sold 5years later for 150K. It is now listed for 350K

So if you need business advice, I am your guy

A shame they closed Rosy Roads, that is why I moved from the north east end to the west side of San Juan.

**crashdive123** · 10-23-2009, 08:43 PM

When I was on the USS Kentucky we got to play there for a while - while Vieques was still operational. It was funny watching the fly boys punch holes in one of the towed ships (it really was riddled with holes). We had them tow it to a reef site, put one MK 48 torpedo below it. The blast picked it up out of the water and broke it in half. Not a big ship - just about 475 feet long. Not it's a home for the fishes.

**Pal334** · 10-23-2009, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

When I was on the USS Kentucky we got to play there for a while - while Vieques was still operational. It was funny watching the fly boys punch holes in one of the towed ships (it really was riddled with holes). We had them tow it to a reef site, put one MK 48 torpedo below it. The blast picked it up out of the water and broke it in half. Not a big ship - just about 475 feet long. Not it's a home for the fishes.

If you ever get down to PR, Vieques is a good tourist place now.The idiots insisted on the Navy getting out and failed to realize that the jobs went with them!!!!!! So rentals etc are quite cheap now.

**Old GI** · 10-24-2009, 10:40 AM

Those things are terrible but they are so far from me. So, I have nothing to worry about.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 01:12 PM

Continues to worsen:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americ...ion/index.html

Fires still burn. With a potential of a rainstorm coming through which will cause an acid rain issue. My friends have finished my beer, but are good folks ,they promised to replenish "most" of it.

They are also trying to rig up a sprinkler system on the roof and to cover the sides of the house to minimize damage if the acid rain occurs.

Kind of tough, having to monitor via internet and cell phone. This also proves no matter where you are, or who you are, a network of trusted friends can come in handy at the least expected times.

Have to be honest, I did almost no preparations down there. But you can bet your bottom dollar I will be doing some srious preps when I get there next