Surry Investigations

I've been suffering some from the effects of Hurricane Ike, but nothing like my friends and others in Galveston and surrounding areas. I worked security in the wake of Katrina and I found it difficult avoiding trying to do something for those whose lives were destroyed by Ike.

For those of you who are headed to the affected area be sure to follow some advice provided by the American Red Cross:

Tips for post-hurricane safety:

* Listen to the authorities – A battery-operated radio will help you stay on top of the local situation. Broadcasts will carry important news from public officials and utilities.
* Take basic supplies – You are likely to need a flashlight (no candles!), trash bags, gloves and cleaning supplies. Don’t expect to find stores stocked with these essentials, so bring them with you. You may need cash for unexpected expenses, so be prepared.
* Perimeter check – Check the home by walking around outside before entering. Look for loose power lines or gas leaks from the outside first and report them. If there are cracks around the foundation, contact a home construction professional to inspect the home.
* As you enter a home, check for sagging ceilings, weak floors and other structural damage.
* Air out – Open windows and doors to air out a home for at least 30 minutes before entering. Mold, which grows quickly after flooding, often smells musty or has a stench. If inhaled, mold can cause an asthma attack, stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. Flood waters can also carry contaminants which decay and release odors.
* Check for gas – Use a flashlight. Do not use an open flame, candles or lighter. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately and call the fire department or utility company.
* Electricity – Turn off the power or circuit breaker with a dry stick to prevent shock while inspecting for damage. Wait until appliances are thoroughly dry before turning them on.
* Sewer and water – If sewers have overflowed or water supplies have been contaminated, do not run water faucets or flush toilets. Assume that anything touched by floodwaters is contaminated. Wear gloves and wash hands or use antiseptic gel frequently. Disinfect everything floodwaters have touched.

For those directly affected by the disaster, registering on the Safe and Well Web site allows them to let loved ones to know that they are safe. The site is accessible at www.redcross.org . If internet access is not possible, they can call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register and follow the prompts for disaster information.

I often find myself reminiscing days of old. Looking at the world through a child's eyes can be a satisfying experience. You don't judge people for the color of their skin, sure you may notice it but you don't have any prejudices towards them. You don't judge anyone based on some preconceived notion about who they might be, you take them for who they are.

I have searched my soul from end to glorious end examining this notion. How do I as a middle aged man eliminate these prejudices of people? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a racist or elitist or any of those things. I just look at people and have some expectations for who they are based on what they are.

Does anyone out there have some answers for what I can do to immediately look for who someone is based on who they are and not what they are?

Anybody else out there who desires to go back to the child hood days of tea parties and blissfulness?

I've recently been contacted by an individual who was seeking help finding some children he believed may have been abducted by child predators. I cannot discuss many of the details of the case, but I have decided to put some of my current cases on the shelves for now.

I spent the past weekend with my son. It was a special time for me as I don't get to spend very much time with him these days. I've made my mistakes and I'm paying for my sins. When this client contacted me about these children I couldn't help but wonder how I would feel if my son was abducted. It would devestate me beyond belief. What if he had turned up missing when I took him to see the battleship this weekend?

Protecting children is more important to me than tailing a cheating spouse or any of my other case loads. I will be contacting those clients whose cases I am working on and inform them of my inability to continue working for them at this time. If I can even find one of the children for this client, it'll be more than worth it.