From Merh: Please do not try to make phone calls to missing DUers during

[JimmyJazz]

the day. She understands that people want to get in touch, but she has asked me to tell you that people are being asked not to use their cell phones to try to reach people during regular business hours because it is interfering with emergency personnel.

It makes sense. I know we all want to reach Maddy and some others, but we need to do our part. Thanks.

[MuseRider]

1. Thanks

and thank Merh. I tried to call Maddy several times today but never thought about that. I will hold off now.

[JimmyJazz]

2. we are all anxious to reach Maddy, but I think we should designate

one person to try and reach her and that person should do so after hours. I know we are all anxious to here from her, but this would be the best solution.

[coffeenap]

3. Is there anything we can do for Merh yet? Thanks.

[JimmyJazz]

4. Not yet. I told her that we are ready to give her whatever she needs,

but right now, even money is useless to her. When the time is right, we can send gift cards, toiletries, etc, but for now, there is no place to send these things and we/merh has to rely on the special agencies involved. Thanks.

[MuseRider]

5. I would be

happy to take a turn doing that. I will be out a lot of tomorrow but should be back....well maybe not. I could give you my cell number, I can call her from the farm. Conserving gas I have to stay out there several nights a week now since it costs about $150.00 a week to keep the truck filled. So, let me know and I can send it to you.

[Nikki Stone 1]

6. THanks for letting me know.

How is she doing?

[JimmyJazz]

8. Here's a thread on Merh:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4538256&mesg_id=4538256

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. What we've learned

In the future we shall set up a fund and make sure all our DUers in harms way have satellite phones. :crazy:

When you do speak to her again send her a hug from me. I miss her sweet voice around here.

[hallc]

9. Do they have a cell phone?

I hear the easiest way to get through to them is through text messaging...just a thought.

[JimmyJazz]

10. Thanks. I have sent text messages. The problem with them is that

you cannot tell if your message went through or not. My phone will tell me that it did, but the intended receiver may not get it right away.

[TheWraith]

11. How is it interfering with emergency personnel?

Cell phones operate in the 850 and 1900 MHz bands, which aren't normally used by rescue/emergency groups, or government agencies--they're all well under 500 MHz, and most of them are under 200 MHz, because the lower frequencies offer better range. I can understand continuous calling being useless, since the cellular towers are without power and possibly torn to pieces by the wind, but I don't see how it would be harmful.