WORK BLOG HURRICANE UPDATE

My sincerest apologies. Due to the protracted lack of electricity at Tools For Working Wood, I have been unable to access our archives. Chances are very likely that we'll be able to catch up next week with a Work double feature. In the meantime, we're extremely appreciative for all the encouraging words and support. Thankfully, the electrical inconvenience represents the extent of our disruption, which puts us in the extremely lucky column when considered against the utter devastation that has befallen neighboring businesses and homes.

This is the view of Bush Terminal, home of TFWW, from across the Gowanus Bay. Nearly every building in the century-old complex is blacked out, and the basements are still quite flooded, even after days of pumping.

This is only one of dozens of pumping units in continuous operation around our headquarters. According to sources in management, all of the buildings share tunnels, steam lines, and conduits, which means no basement will be dry until all basements are dry.

To give a feeble indication of Sandy's astonishing storm surge, here's a shot of a pallet jammed in the handrail outside the NYPD Evidence Vehicle Processing Facility at Erie Basin. This is about twelve feet above where the waterline normally sits. Though the waters have receded, the cleanup is ongoing. Reports of tool chests being turned into rusty aquariums abound.

Finally, here's a shot of lower Manhattan from my window in Red Hook. The in-progress Freedom Tower is flanked on all sides by dark figures that would normally comprise a glittering skyline. Despite being hobbled by the blackout, the TFWW crew has been meeting and planning. Think of us as a tightly coiled spring, ready to leap into action. Stay tuned for further updates from Joel, Ben, and me as we scramble to pack outstanding orders. It irks us to no end that the kind of constant service and attention we like to give our customers has taken a hit, but rest assured that we, like the rest of Brooklyn, are alive and kicking, even if the lights are out. -TIM