Hurricane Ike Update #7

Friday, September 12, 2008, 2:23pm

So, we've eaten lunch with the rest of the E1s, and now we're holed up in the trauma call room again.

It kind of feels like day camp, because they have this bulletin board that tells everyone about the events for the day, like "3pm-Debriefing, 8pm-Prayer Meeting in Chapel." (Interestingly, UTMB recently let go all the chaplins that were employed, so I'm not sure who will lead the prayer meeting...).

It also feels a little like a bomb shelter, since we're staying in these little rooms with the storm shutters closed (see picture). We might start watching some movies or playing a game (I brought a whole bunch of DVDs and games, including Operation--how appropriate for surgery residents).

I polled the other residents as to anything else I should say on my blog at this point--and the other 4 and I wanted to encourage anyone who is still in Galveston to LEAVE as soon as possible. Some are saying this is going to be the "worst day Texas has seen in 50 years." I read on CNN earlier that people are experiencing "Hurricane Fatigue," because they're tired of thinking about hurricanes and preparing for them. And I admit, it's annoying to always be on the lookout. But seriously, this is not to be taken lightly. I know I'm just from Ohio, but this is scary! We have our food and flashlights ready, and we're just hunkering down and waiting it out. But those that are still on the island and have the option of leaving, should do so.

More later after our 3pm debriefing...