The Impossible Decisions That Faced Those
Trapped in the Buffalo Storm
Wall Street Journal,
by
Douglas Belkin
Original Article
Posted By: ladydawgfan,
12/29/2022 8:08:58 PM
On Friday afternoon, Abdul Sharifu left his house in Buffalo, N.Y., to go to the market to buy milk for his two young children. He hadn’t gotten far when his car got stuck in one of the deadliest blizzards in the history of the city.
Mr. Sharifu, a 26-year-old refugee from Congo, sat in his Toyota RAV4 with a dwindling supply of gas in his tank and called a friend to explain his plight, said Erieckson Kiza, a leader in the Congolese community. Mr. Sharifu, clad only in a thin tracksuit,
Who on earth goes out in a storm of this magnitude in a simple track suit?? Seriously?? Intelligent people planned ahead. It isn't like that are of the country wasn't warned days ahead of time. I have seen some of the photos of the Buffalo area and also some of the Great Lakes bordering communities and they looked like they could have been in Siberia. So many ice covered buildings and homes.
34 people like this.
Reply 2 - Posted by:
JHHolliday 12/29/2022 8:28:50 PM (No. 1367118)
So sorry for these folks that didn’t make it. I am not going to criticize those who made the wrong decisions. Perhaps their deaths will be lessons to the rest of us that Mother Nature can be uncaring and cruel. My cousin died here in Georgia during the blizzard of ‘93. Four feet of snow and the emts couldn’t get to him for hours before he died of a heart attack. Please just use common sense and prepare. Winter is just getting started.
21 people like this.
Reply 3 - Posted by:
oldsfc 12/29/2022 8:32:10 PM (No. 1367120)
The people knew this storm was coming, like the people in NO knew hurricane Katrina approached. They made no attempt to make preparations. Why?
24 people like this.
Very sorry for loss of life, but some could have been prevented. If you are going to live in snow country (I do), you keep up with the weather forecasts and plan ahead -- stock up on essentials in advance of the storm, make sure to have extra batteries for flashlights, etc. Having said that, when I was 20 and thought I was indestructible, I refused to let anything stand in the way of my plans and made some really dumb choices to drive in blizzards and ice storms. Could have gone badly.
20 people like this.
Reply 5 - Posted by:
DVC 12/29/2022 8:57:53 PM (No. 1367131)
I wonder if Mr. Sharifu is a legal resident? Perhaps he should live in Congo.
23 people like this.
Reply 6 - Posted by:
WV.Hillbilly 12/29/2022 9:24:24 PM (No. 1367141)
This was not a surprise storm. People were warned for days. Anyone who went out unprepared was an idiot.
32 people like this.
Reply 7 - Posted by:
NorthernDog 12/29/2022 9:27:10 PM (No. 1367145)
What can you say? Nature is unforgiving and the death toll in Buffalo is up to 40. I noticed many of the people wee low on gas. Did they have a full tank as is advised? Just idling the engine generally won't burn it all. Keeping a well-stocked pantry can include powdered milk for emergencies.
21 people like this.
Reply 8 - Posted by:
Heraclitus 12/29/2022 10:23:25 PM (No. 1367160)
We lived through the "Blizzard of '78" in Boston. Dozens and dozens of people died, many stranded on the highways. Some had their doorways piled so deep with snow people had to climb out upper story windows.
When we didn't have groceries other than oatmeal and a few other staples, I made oatmeal and raisin cookies. When the apartment building where a friend of ours lived ran out of oil, and when by that time army vehicles were clearing Mass Ave, Boylston and Commonwealth the oil trucks couldn't get down some side streets, like our friend's. So, a whole bunch of us got our shovels and cleared the way for the fuel to be delivered.
And electric vehicles will not improve survival here... let's face it... anywhere.
34 people like this.
Reply 9 - Posted by:
Birddog 12/29/2022 11:24:39 PM (No. 1367174)
Key quote buried in the (drifts) way down several several para's...
"..people had ignored the driving ban, which went into effect at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. "
I get it, I really do...I used to head to the coast during hurricanes while the local residents were all heading inland...with my surfboard and Beer. BUT...I loaded for the trip, wore a wetsuit(makes you unsinkable), knew the coasts, read the rips, KNEW how to surf/survive in Big Waves. I was also building an Upstate NY log home for a NYC doctor, 2 miles from the nearest paved road, while living in an 1825 farmhouse 9 miles from the nearest paved road, 19 miles from the nearest stop light, and 25 miles from the jobsite....when we got 5 feet of snow, and it kept snowing even more for a week. I had to shovel snow off from the ROOF of the 2 story house because it was making ominous cracking/popping noises from the weight...4ft tall shovel fulls at a time...and I fell...from the peak, more than thirty feet, luckily into the piled snow I had just pitched off, even luckier twisting in mid air to land feet first up to my chin, rather than head first up to my ankles. Without that it might have been may before anyone found me....BUT...I had experience in deep snow areas at MUCH higher elevations, and even colder temps, was dressed for the weather. I KNEW the risks, had a plan for nearly every eventuality, and was physically able to self rescue, had plenty of food, wood stockpiled, and even IF that had run out had the capability to "harvest" enough food to stay alive and healthy.
People have grown soft...some of them in the head.
16 people like this.
Reply 10 - Posted by:
Highstick 12/29/2022 11:27:21 PM (No. 1367177)
unnecessary tragedy... mr congo moved to BUFFALO NY. did his family, friends and co workers tell him its real winter there nov-apr ? i am sure they did. If i moved to Kinshasa i would imagine i' know about the natural perils, and be ready. stupid loss
11 people like this.
Reply 11 - Posted by:
Zeek Wolfe 12/29/2022 11:30:05 PM (No. 1367179)
This man is has earned a Darwin Award.
10 people like this.
Reply 12 - Posted by:
daisey 12/30/2022 12:49:29 AM (No. 1367190)
They knew the storm was coming. They should have hopped planes, private jets preferably, and headed to the Virgin Islands. I’m still steaming over Biden. And I’m sorry for the families who lost loved ones, no matter the reason.
15 people like this.
Reply 13 - Posted by:
Sandpiper 12/30/2022 1:57:40 AM (No. 1367203)
A relative is an LEO in the Sierras. We got to talking about what he carrys in his vehicles. A flashlight, extra gloves, extra socks, extra coat, a hat, a shovel, rope, some sand, tools, extra food and water and I don’t remember what else. Oh, chains! Some is because of his job - but you’ll find most mountain residents are similarly prepared because the snow and cold can kill you. You don’t want to be unprepared. He is also fanatic that all of his family’s cars be filled with gas when they reach 1/2 tank. He has stories of digging people out of their cars in a snow back and the driver (usually from the SF Bay Area) is wearing shorts and flip flops.
10 people like this.
Reply 14 - Posted by:
DVC 12/30/2022 2:23:12 AM (No. 1367205)
We drove out from KC to our cabin in the Colorado mountains the day the huge "BS cyclone" hit KC area.
We had snow boots, down jackets, warm gloves, hats, scarves, a low temp sleeping bag, extra food, extra water, an emergency solid fuel stove, and a 4WD vehicle with chains in the vehicle, jumper cables and a tow strap.
And a driver and passenger who have camped in deep snow in high mountains for fun, and who know how to drive a 4WD in deep snow. If we got stuck, we were good for several days, without problems.
Don't be a dummy. And from Congo.....zero concept, apparently of what happens in a Buffalo blizzard.
One college roommate went on to go to dental school in Buffalo. He told us of shoveling the sidewalks and essentially the snow becoming 6-8 ft high snow walls over time, no ability to go anywhere except where it had been shoveled. And abandoned cars being so hidden by snow that they couldn't be seen by the snowplows and caused huge accidents. And that was in the middle 70s.
Blizzards in Buffalo are like sunshine in Miami......COUNT on it.
11 people like this.
Reply 15 - Posted by:
DVC 12/30/2022 2:25:30 AM (No. 1367206)
One other thing.....I REGULARLY see people walking around in flip flops or crocks and SHORTS and a cotton hoodie in 25-30F weather. They 100% depend upon their auto heater and buildings that they are heading to for survival. They can only survive the outside for a couple of minutes.....somehow I guess this is "cool"......of course it is literally COLD, and severely stupid.
12 people like this.
Reply 16 - Posted by:
pixelero 12/30/2022 5:15:04 AM (No. 1367219)
Clad in only a track suit with no gas in the car doesn’t sound too bright in a blizzard. Sorry to be mean but that’s what I think. And echoing the OP stay home during a blizzard.
11 people like this.
Reply 17 - Posted by:
Rather Read 12/30/2022 5:45:33 AM (No. 1367228)
We were warned where I live (no snow but bitter cold) for several days. I stocked up and when the temperature went below zero and we got snow, I was ready.
4 people like this.
Reply 18 - Posted by:
DCGIRL 12/30/2022 6:00:53 AM (No. 1367230)
I maybe speaking out of line but......no one is that stupid. I believe this journalist is trying to make us feel sorry for this person. He had days to get milk for his children. Why does he need this in the middle of a blizzard?
12 people like this.
Reply 19 - Posted by:
F15 Gork 12/30/2022 7:37:42 AM (No. 1367274)
Winter storms are like hurricanes.....you have many days advance notice of what’s coming and plenty of time to prepare....unless of course you’re a loser with a lip lock on the government teat and are unable to take care of yourself.
6 people like this.
Reply 20 - Posted by:
Venturer 12/30/2022 8:31:24 AM (No. 1367320)
This guy has lived here long enough to buy a Rav-4, but not long enough to get winter clothes? In Buffalo?
And he is a leader in the Congo community?
9 people like this.
Reply 21 - Posted by:
lftrn97 12/30/2022 9:32:20 AM (No. 1367359)
Notice that the savior who got folks into the school was a mechanic not a .
2 people like this.
Reply 22 - Posted by:
Laotzu 12/30/2022 9:33:25 AM (No. 1367361)
We raised our kids in a mountain town. We didn't have the wealth to buy a RAV-4, but made do with a very old Camry with bald tires. We all lived. We were poor but not stupid. Our view of the world was not crafted by Tik Tok and YouTube. It was based on what we saw in front of us with our own eyes.
6 people like this.
Reply 23 - Posted by:
happywarrior 12/30/2022 9:52:10 AM (No. 1367377)
Since no one else mentioned them, I thought I would add blankets to the kit in your car. If you're in Buffalo make it 3 blankets!
5 people like this.
Reply 24 - Posted by:
MDConservative 12/30/2022 10:22:09 AM (No. 1367403)
It doesn't appear these deaths occurred in rural areas. One doesn't need a police station or public warming room. Knock on a door, and there is a high likely hood the people will take you in under the circumstances. People know when people need help, and nearly always give it. Waiting for the media to start blaming white supremacy for the deaths.
2 people like this.
Reply 25 - Posted by:
felixcat 12/30/2022 10:33:45 AM (No. 1367418)
I keep being told by pundits that the people of Buffalo are tough and seasoned - use to snow storms and blizzards. Apparently not enough are so tough and seasoned. The weather people had been forecasting this snow storm for several days and you don't take that time to stock up on food, fill you gas tank, etc? And who goes out in a major snow storm just to get some supplies? And after two years of the covid lockdown crap, you'd think people would be a bit more prepared in terms of food, etc just in case the Government decides to impose some sudden ban on your movement.
2 people like this.
Reply 26 - Posted by:
hershey 12/30/2022 10:38:02 AM (No. 1367423)
I have a SHTF kit for both of my 4x4 vehicles....I carry it ALL the time and periodically check/replace what is needed...set up for city or country...and remember to never let your tank get < 1/2, and if you get stuck DON'T run the car with the windows closed. If stuck on some road with woods, do get into them and build a shelter and a fire if possible...better than sitting in a freezing can (automobile)
Car Emergency Kit Go Bag
Axe (small or survival hatchet)
Backpack big enough to hold all your stuff
Canteen/Water filter bottle
Compass
Emergency Sleeping bag
Emergency Water pouches (Datrex [stronger than plastic bottles])
Emergency Surgery Kit
Fire starter and tinder (cotton balls with vaseline, dryer lint, charred cloth, fatwood sticks)
First aid items (include sutures and forceps, neosporin, bandaids (Israeli), tape etc.)
Fishing Kit and line (bobber, swivels, weights, hooks etc..)
Folding Shovel
GI can opener (P38)
Hand sanitizer & Handi wipes
Hand warmers
Hard Candy
LED Flashlight & Batteries
Lifestraw (to filter any water source)
Light Stick
Lighter , Butane (even if it runs out you can still use the striker to spark)
Millenium Food Bars (5 years in vehicle)
Mountain House (or other) Freeze Dried food packs
Nitrile Gloves
Old fashioned road maps (in case GPS/electronics are down)
Paracord (substitute for rope)
Plastic bags (can use for rain)
Poncho
Sierra cup (to heat water and eat from )
Signal Mirror
Space blanket
Strike anywhere waterproof matches
Survival folding stove and fire tablets
Survival knife (a decent one, not a $10 special)
Tissue pack
Toilet paper
Utensils combo (knife/fork/spoon metal better than plastic)
Water purification tablets and some type of water bottle
Water purification Filter (Sawyer or the like)
Wire saw
Most items came from Ebay/Walmart/Field & Stream/Bass Pro – Millenium food bars and Mountain House..lots of other sources for freeze-dried with a shelf life of 25 years...
3 people like this.
Reply 27 - Posted by:
faceincrowd 12/30/2022 10:47:32 AM (No. 1367433)
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Use your dang brain and maybe you won't die.
1 person likes this.
Reply 28 - Posted by:
Vaquero45 12/30/2022 10:49:42 AM (No. 1367435)
Blizzards and hurricanes have a way of cleaning out the gene pool. Stupidity is a terminal disease, and natural laws have no pity.
4 people like this.
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Desperate times call for desperate measures. But most people listen to the weather forecasts and stay the heck home!!