tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1808092073907313817.post3776405709942755372..comments2013-03-11T09:33:49.682-07:00Comments on First Responder Ride: Martha's Vineyard Death Trap: Shafting the SchiftersSteve Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143362162407799790noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1808092073907313817.post-10936427830266759762013-03-11T09:33:49.682-07:002013-03-11T09:33:49.682-07:00After the "big" storm here on the 7th, 8... After the "big" storm here on the 7th, 8th and 9th, the sea is about to take the Schifters guest house. What is amazing are the headlines in local and regional declaring what a big storm this was and how "unexpected" it was. All of New England has built in hurricane flood zones. There is a code of denial among the public and the media supports it. <br /> New England got off relatively easy with hurricane Sandy. The "Big One" though is long over due but unexpected by most.<br /> In the blizzard of '78 many people died on the ocean or froze to death in their cars due to jams. This year a similar blizzard hit for which the region was prepared by shutting down the roads. This enabled quick clearing as well as zero casualties.<br /> Similar actions would work for hurricanes, prestorm notification as well as education all residents in flood zones so that they and their renters know they are at risk. Also people need to be educated as to the nature of hurricanes. They need to know that is the rising water that kills most people and not the wind. <br /> The Schifter's debacle is representative of thousands of New Englanders in similar situations. They were sold land or homes in beautiful surroundings but vulnerable to extreme winds, beach erosion and severe flooding.<br /> Martha's Vineyard is one of the worst areas because it cannot be evacuated.<br /> Meanwhile the Schifters attempts to remedy their plight are not only making it worse but threating to cause other houses to be lost.<br /> The gian sandbags they have placed have now become a "jetty" as the erosion circumvents them. The new "jetty" is redirecting current straight into the beach. This is threating to breach an adgacent pond and create a new current which could alter the footprint of the entire island as well as wash away several houses. Possibly Meg Ryan's home on North Neck could wash away along with lessor known folks.Steve Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10143362162407799790noreply@blogger.com