Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
The weeks are winding down quickly and the end of the year approaches. Work on the 765 continues. Saturday Jerrad came from his sickbed to unload coal. With the help of Mr. Depanicis (as he is known to 1,000’s of adoring students) the tender was relieved of its load of coal.
D J followed this feat by removing much soot and cinders from the flues. It appeared from the stack that we were making steam most of the time but on occasion the black came from the ash pan; apparently if you let loose of the blast hose it kicks up dust. All went well and we were done before dark, though D J’s Tyvek suit was plenty dark. I was then able to allow Mr. Depanicis to head for home. We all need to send DJ our thanks for the great work. I am sure cards, money, letters, money, a self-driving car that knows the way to his house, money, etc. will be appreciated.
Joe spent the day changing out our electrical boxes. He started early and finished late, leaving around 8:30 PM. Most of the electricity is flowing once again with a bit more hook-up work to come in follow weeks. Quite the site to see a spaghetti bowl of wires get sorted out and become functioning circuits. No smoke or sparks were noted, though there is one blown fuse.
Sunday, I spent the day cleaning up after Joe, removing grease from the rods, giving tours and writing this masterpiece.
Monday being Columbus Day, I will be out to the shop but don’t intend to do anything earthshaking. If I do I will send out an update to the update.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Next week on Saturday only, is our Pumpkin Train event. If you do not have your tickets, I am told it is too late to purchase them, however you can still come and help with the crowds and other fun adventures that will be taking place. There is work to do on the locomotive, including cleaning out the smoke box and washing down the inside of the firebox. Work will probably be delayed until Sunday as the Pumpkin train activity will take up the time of most volunteers until then.
SAFETY SENSE
Calling 911 . . . We all know the number, but do we know “How to best use it if we have to?”.
Here are some guidelines….
· Stay calm. As difficult as it is it’s important to take a deep breath and not get excited. Any situation that requires 911 is, by definition, an emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and will try to move things along quickly, but under control.
· Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. This is especially important if a cell phone is being used to make the contact. Even though many 911 centers can see your location on the computer screen — they are still required to confirm the information. If for some reason you are disconnected, at least emergency crews will know where to go and how to call you back. As the call progresses, you may hear clicking – do not hang up!
· Wait for the call-taker to ask questions, then answer clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the dispatcher or call-taker will still need you to answer quietly, mostly “yes” and “no” questions.
· Let the call-taker guide the conversation. He or she is typing the information into a computer and may seem to be taking forever. There’s a high probability, however, that emergency services are already being sent while you are still on the line.
· Follow all directions. In some cases, the call-taker will give you directions. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
· Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other parts of the scene.
· Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker.
· Be prepared to have someone meet the first responders and guide them to the location of the emergency.
The 911 system is an invaluable service designed to rapidly respond to medical and other types of emergencies, Following the above guidelines will further expedite the arrival of the necessary emergency services.
