Thanks for that clarification Bill.
I must say I was surprised to read Paul's post. mostly because after a disaster in a country like the US, everyone usually wants to help. Sometimes though, what we may think would be a priority is not the thing that the people affected may want. I remember after the huge bush fires we had here some people wanted to live in or near the ruins of their houses. From the outside it looked crazy, from the inside it was probably the only way they felt able to maintain equilibrium.
As you say, unexpected glitches happen, particularly with the pipes that we so take for granted. If they don't work we have no gas, electricity, sewerage, water and so on. Then there is communication, public transport etc. It all takes time.
I hope the people affected by Sandy are all home at last, or in a comfortable environment soon, before the real winter starts.
