Refuge

What does it mean to take refuge? It means to seek shelter or protection from harm. It is an act of self preservation but usually relies on help from others. One is not always prepared to take refuge until circumstances present themselves for such action. We did recently following a serious, prolonged power outage caused by a severe storm.

The storm itself did no damage to our home or neighborhood. Just plant debris scattered over the lawns. But the power outage was caused by serious tree damage done in the town to our north. That community is still without power, four days later. Power was restored to our home after 51 hours.

That length of time needs context. The temperatures before and after the storm were 90’s and over 100 degrees. Humidity was roughly 50%. With no power there was no internet, TV or radio. Patience let us sit through the first few hours in silence as we read, napped and kept cool air trapped indoors.

As the hours ticked away we ventured out and learned that our town was undamaged but the neighboring communities were seriously impaired. Entire neighborhoods lost thousands of trees which took down electrical cables and poles. The tangle was complex and would take time to repair.  So we learned that we could be out for 12 to 24 hours. Still, leaving refrigerators and freezers tightly sealed, we could preserve food and make preparations to move to a cooling station if needed.

Our neighborhood has many residents of retirement age and older. Many of them have mobility issues. Some of them have inhalation and oxygen equipment. Refrigeration is needed for their medicines as well. Under these circumstances power outages can become serious events.

In our case I’m on both inhalation and oxygen equipment and use it while sleeping. The first night we remained home and I slept without the equipment. The next day it was clear power would not be restored for possibly days. So we sought refuge with family in an unaffected area.

That refuge felt heaven sent! The air was cool. The dogs were safe and comfortable. The bed was super good and the oxygen/inhalation equipment worked very well. It was a major comfort to know there was this safe port to settle in! We felt embraced and cared for.

That next day we resumed our usual routine just in a different place. By late afternoon we received word that power had been restored to our neighborhood and we moved back home. Other than the bother of moving equipment, dog and overnight clothes and reading materials, the experience had not placed a strain on us. Restoring the house to normal was another issue altogether!

Lost were the contents of both freezers and the refrigerator. Cleaning these out while controlling the smell of spoiled food took effort. Temperatures remained high in the low 100’s. An unprecedented heat wave had hit the Chicago region. Health advisories were frequently aired by radio and TV stations.

All in all the little things in life became huge. And we appreciated each of them more highly than ever before. Electrical power uninterrupted is major! Air conditioning is a staple we often forget. It is hard to realize how dependent we have become on air conditioning. I grew up without AC. After I was married we got it and kept it! Same with cars; added AC to all new car purchases after the age of 25!   

Refrigeration and freezers are a convenience we overlook frequently. I remember the day that ice cream was a major food decision because our freezer compartment was too small to hold a half gallon container! We planned buying and eating ice cream according to the freezer space. The same with refrigerator space. As these applicances became larger and more efficient, we bought more capacity. Convenience extended to buying more frozen foods for quick menu creations and buying at sale prices.

The downside of course is the financial loss when the power is lost for a time long enough to spoil food. That’s what happened to us; probably about $300 worth.

Still, all is well. We now value AC much more and look at the refrigerator and freezer with heightened respect! Now our refuge is in our own home!

May your summer be enjoyable and safe. That includes manageable temperatures, too!

July 6, 2012