Business

New crises are confronting Southern cities hit hard by storms: No water

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2021

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Southern cities slammed by winter storms that left millions without energy for days have swapped one crisis for another: busted water pipes destroyed by record-low temperatures triggered safe drinking water shortages, shut down Memphis airport on Friday and left hospitals struggling to maintain sanitary conditions.

In Texas, 7 million people were told to boil tap water before drinking it, a quarter of the population of the second-largest state in the country, because low water pressure may have caused bacteria to seep into the system. A man died when a shortage of water pressure made medical attention impossible at an Abilene health care centre.

Due to water main ruptures and pumping station issues, about 260,000 homes and businesses in the Tennessee county that includes Memphis were ordered to boil water. Restaurants that are unable to do so or have no bottled water have been ordered to close. And issues with water pressure caused Memphis International Airport to cancel all incoming and outgoing flights on Fridays.

Most of the town of approximately 161,000 had no drinking water in Jackson, Mississippi. Crews pumped water to refill city tanks, but faced a shortage of treatment chemicals because frozen roads made it difficult to supply them to distributors, said Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

He said the water mains of the city are over 100 years old and not designed to tackle the freezing weather that hit the city as several storms dumped record quantities of snow across the South.

Lumumba said, “We are facing an extreme challenge of getting more water through our distribution system.”

The city offered water for flushing toilets and drinking, but it had to be picked up by people, leaving the elderly and those on icy roads unprotected.

Lisa Thomas said her driveway was a sheet of ice on a hill in Jackson. Her husband, who is on a heart defibrillator and monitor, only has enough heart medication to get him through Sunday because she couldn’t go to the pharmacy.

“Here, people are in dire need,” said Thomas.

At a water station set up by city officials, Paul Lee Davis got to the front of the line only to make the water run out. Three and a half hours after landing, he was still waiting for it to be refilled.

We need water and the shops are all out. I don’t see what options we’ve got,’ said Davis.

The water woes were the latest suffering for people across the South who, for days after the ice and snow storms earlier in the week, went without heat or power, forcing rolling blackouts from Minnesota to Texas.

For the first time since historical snowfall and single-digit temperatures produced a rise in demand for electricity to warm up home, buckling the power grid of the state and triggering the widespread blackouts, Texas electric grid operators said electricity transmission had returned to normal.

There were still smaller outages, but Bill Magness, president of the Texas Electric Reliability Council, said the grid would now supply electricity across the entire system.

In a state recognised as the U.S. energy capital, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure. As the grid approached a break point, ERCOT officials defended their plans and the decision to begin forced outages on Monday.

The storms have left more than 330,000 people without electricity from Virginia to Louisiana. Around 60,000 were still suffering a week-long blackout following a major ice and snow storm in Oregon on Friday. In the hardest-hit areas, the governor of Oregon directed the National Guard to go door-to-door to ensure that people have enough food and water.

At least 69 people, including those who died trying to get warm and a Tennessee farmer who tried to save two calves who apparently wandered into a frozen pond, were blamed for the extreme weather.

Acting administrator Bob Fenton of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said teams were distributing gasoline, water, blankets and other supplies in Texas.

“What worries me most is making sure people stay warm,” said Fenton on “CBS This Morning.”

Water pressure fell in several places after lines froze and because people left dripping faucets to stop icing pipes, officials said.

According to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality spokeswoman Tiffany Young, more than 1,300 Texas public water systems and 159 counties had recorded weather-related operational disruptions affecting more than 14.9 million people as of Friday afternoon.

More than 1 million gallons (3.8 million litres) of water was delivered to the capital of Texas on Friday. But Greg Maszaros, Austin’s water chief, urged residents to limit the use of home faucets because “as we pressurise the system, there are still a lot of unknowns.”

In Dallas, David Lopez said he got more than 600 requests for service during the last week from the plumbing company he works for.

It’s pretty much first come, first served,” Lopez said, as he and a colleague on Friday manipulated a new water heater out of their van.” “They all have emergencies.”

In the fourth-largest US city, residents of Houston will probably have to boil tap water until Sunday or Monday, Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

Water service was restored to two Houston Methodist community hospitals on Friday, but officials were still bringing in drinking water, said spokeswoman Gale Smith, and several elective surgeries were cancelled.

Memphis Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude said it was forced to turn to bottled water and bagged ice for all consumption and washed with hand sanitizer and no-rinse bathing wipes by workers and patients. All non-urgent activities have been postponed.

In the Little Rock field, Central Arkansas Water asked clients to conserve water to help protect its system as the ground started to warm and pipes thawed. Thursday night, the town of Hot Springs warned that its water supply was’ critically limited’ and also asked customers to conserve.

The Museum of Discovery announced in Little Rock that its building was flooded by a broken pipe, causing significant damage to theatres, galleries and offices and killing one exhibition specimen, a blue-tongued skink lizard.

According to the state health department, more than 192,000 Louisiana residents — some still trying to rebound from last August’s Hurricane Laura — had no water service on Friday. Boil-water advisories persisted for tens of thousands more.

On Friday, bulk and bottled water deliveries to the hardest-hit Louisiana areas were scheduled with an emphasis on hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis centres, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said, adding that he was optimistic that hotter weather would accelerate repairs over the weekend.

Nicole Beard said her boyfriend crawled under his house in the Louisiana neighbourhood of Hackberry to try to repair a broken water pipe, but couldn’t because he didn’t have the correct parts and it was too dark. She used bottled water and sent two of her daughters to stay at a nearby house.

“People here are still just struggling,” she said.

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Business

Do Sympathy Cards Really Make a Difference?

Published

2 hours ago

December 8, 2023

Ethan745

sympathy cards with group greeting ecards

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The act of sending sympathy cards is a time-honored tradition, a way for individuals to express condolences and offer support during times of loss. While some may question the impact of a simple card in the face of profound grief, the truth is that sympathy cards hold a unique and meaningful place in the process of mourning. Let’s explore the ways in which sympathy cards truly make a difference in the lives of those who are grieving.

Contents

1. Emotional Comfort:2. Acknowledgment of Grief:3. Expression of Empathy:4. Symbol of Support:5. Encouragement for Reflection:6. Tangible Keepsake:7. Cultural and Traditional Significance:8. Aids in the Grieving Process:9. Shared Grief Experience:10. Respectful Space for Grieving:11. Encourages Open Communication:12. Long-Lasting Impact:13. Promotes Human Connection:14. Demonstrates Thoughtful Gesture:15. Encourages Reciprocal Support:16. Navigating Cultural Sensitivities:17. Provides a Platform for Creativity:18. Acts as a Reminder of Loved Ones:Conclusion: The Meaningful Impact of Sympathy Cards The Power of Personalized Retirement Cards

1. Emotional Comfort:

One of the primary roles of a sympathy card is to provide emotional comfort. Grieving individuals often feel a range of intense emotions, from sadness to anger to confusion. Sympathy cards offer a tangible reminder that others care about their well-being, providing a source of solace and understanding during a challenging time.

2. Acknowledgment of Grief:

Grief can be a lonely and isolating experience. Sympathy cards serve as a form of acknowledgment, affirming that the pain of loss is recognized by others. This simple act of acknowledging grief can be profoundly validating for those who are mourning.

3. Expression of Empathy:

Sympathy cards are a medium for expressing empathy. While it may be challenging to find the perfect words to say in person, a well-crafted card allows individuals to convey their feelings of empathy and compassion. This bridge of understanding can foster a sense of connection between the sender and the recipient.

4. Symbol of Support:

The physical presence of a sympathy card becomes a symbol of support. Whether hand-delivered or received in the mail, the card signifies that someone has taken the time to extend their condolences. This symbol can be a comforting reminder that there is a network of support available.

5. Encouragement for Reflection:

Sympathy cards often contain heartfelt messages, words of wisdom, or quotes that encourage reflection. These sentiments can prompt individuals to reflect on the positive aspects of the life that was lived and find meaning in the midst of sorrow.

6. Tangible Keepsake:

Sympathy cards become tangible keepsakes for those who are grieving. Many individuals hold onto these cards as mementos, preserving the memories of the messages, support, and love they received during a difficult time. The cards become a lasting reminder of the connections formed in the face of loss.

7. Cultural and Traditional Significance:

Sending sympathy cards aligns with cultural and traditional practices associated with expressing condolences. Different cultures have established rituals and customs, and the act of sending a card is often deeply rooted in these traditions. It serves as a respectful and recognized gesture of sympathy.

8. Aids in the Grieving Process:

Grief is a complex and personal journey. Sympathy cards play a role in aiding the grieving process by providing external expressions of care and understanding. They contribute to creating an environment where individuals can navigate their emotions and find support along the way.

9. Shared Grief Experience:

When numerous sympathy cards arrive, they create a shared experience of grief. Knowing that others have taken the time to reach out and offer condolences fosters a sense of communal support. This shared grief experience can alleviate feelings of isolation.

10. Respectful Space for Grieving:

Sending a sympathy card respects the individual’s space for grieving. It offers support without intruding on the personal and often private mourning process. The recipient can choose when and how to engage with the sentiments expressed in the card.

11. Encourages Open Communication:

Sympathy cards can be a catalyst for open communication about grief. They prompt conversations between the grieving individual and those who care about them, creating a space for sharing memories, expressing feelings, and receiving additional support.

12. Long-Lasting Impact:

The impact of a sympathy card extends beyond the immediate aftermath of loss. The cards become lasting tokens of the support received, and individuals often revisit them during different phases of their grief journey. This enduring impact makes the act of sending a sympathy card significant.

13. Promotes Human Connection:

In an era of digital communication, the act of sending a physical sympathy card underscores the importance of human connection. It represents a tangible, thoughtful gesture that goes beyond the fleeting nature of emails or text messages.

14. Demonstrates Thoughtful Gesture:

The effort involved in selecting, personalizing, and sending a sympathy card demonstrates a thoughtful gesture. It shows that the sender has taken the time to consider the feelings of the recipient and to express their condolences in a meaningful way.

15. Encourages Reciprocal Support:

The act of sending sympathy cards often encourages reciprocal support. Individuals who have experienced loss may be inspired to offer similar gestures of comfort when someone else is grieving. This ripple effect of compassion contributes to a culture of support and understanding.

16. Navigating Cultural Sensitivities:

Sympathy cards allow for the expression of condolences in a manner that respects cultural sensitivities. Different cultures may have unique customs associated with mourning, and sending a card allows individuals to convey sympathy in a culturally appropriate way.

17. Provides a Platform for Creativity:

For some, creating or selecting a sympathy card provides a platform for creative expression. The design, words, and even the choice of materials can be customized to convey a unique message of sympathy and support.

18. Acts as a Reminder of Loved Ones:

Sympathy cards often include sentiments that celebrate the life of the departed. These messages become reminders of the impact and legacy of the loved one. They contribute to keeping the memory alive in the hearts of those who are grieving.

Conclusion: The Meaningful Impact of Sympathy Cards

In conclusion, sympathy cards undeniably make a difference in the lives of individuals who are grieving. These seemingly simple cards carry profound emotional weight, offering comfort, acknowledgment, and a tangible expression of support. They contribute to the complex tapestry of the grieving process, providing a bridge between the isolating experience of loss and the shared humanity that connects us all. Sending a sympathy card is not just a formality; it is a meaningful act that acknowledges the depth of human emotion and the enduring power of compassion in times of sorrow.

The Power of Personalized Retirement Cards

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Business

How AI Can Help Improve Customer Service

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2023

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It can be challenging for businesses to sustain their customer service game while managing costs to compete in the market. However, Artificial Intelligence can help in several ways to get customer loyalty.

Contents

Facilitates Personalization Chat Bots- Round-the-Clock Customer Support Predictive Analytics Voice Assitance Automate Recurring Tasks Bottom Line

AI, the most talked-about advancement in technology, has become a useful tool in the realm of marketing. With this advanced technology, you can carry out multiple tasks to improve customer experience. For example, it gives you an insightful understanding of your customers and their needs. Moreover, it predicts the result, allowing you to make timely efforts to mitigate a problem. All of the multidimensional features of AI, in sum, allow brands to create personalized and efficient services, improving customer satisfaction. Therefore, more and more marketers are leveraging AI to enhance customer journeys.

That said, we are going to discuss how AI can be used to improve customer service in detail.

But before that, we would remind you that to make the most of technology and put AI to work, you need to ensure you have a speedy and reliable internet connection. If seek recommendations, Optimum is the best in the business. It offers unrivaled internet services backed by 24/7 customer support. Contact Optimum servicio al cliente en español in case you questions and queries(For Spanish customers).

Anyway, let’s dive into it!

Facilitates Personalization

It may sound unreal to provide a personalized experience to each customer visiting a website. Well, AI is smart, in fact, super smart. Whether hundreds or millions, it helps you nurture leads to convert them by allowing you to provide the best customer service.

When you use the right AI tool, you can get and analyze a large sum of customer data, including browsing habits, purchasing history, and other demographic details like age, color, location, etc. All of this information can be used to provide personalized recommendations, offering them products and services they most likely be looking for. It can help you learn patterns of customer behaviors to predict the expected moves. As customers engage with a brand, their activities are overseen to provide accurate and timely services. This makes it easier for the customer to navigate through the products and services and find the most appropriate services easily.

Chat Bots- Round-the-Clock Customer Support

With people having smartphones in their hands all the time, they look up on the internet anytime and anywhere to find a product to service they may need. When scrolling through the options on a brand’s website, they may have questions or would want to contact you immediately. During that time, being able to respond to their queries could be a significant factor in converting them. But not all brands can afford to have a customer support team around the clock, right? Well, you do not necessarily need human customer support professionals if you have AI.

Chatbots, powered by AI, can handle regular queries and can provide relevant information about the brand and its products and services. Using chatbots allows you to improve customer service by offering quick assistance. They can also assist with complex queries and can be programmed to connect to a real human if the query is too complex. Since chatbots can handle multiple conversations at a time, you need to rest assured that all the leads will get quick responses.

Predictive Analytics

AI has the potential to analyze customer data by evaluating trends and patterns to help businesses predict customers’ needs and preferences. This allows you to get insights into customers’ experience behavior and needs. Moreover, it can help you identify potential customer churn. For example, you would know who is most likely to leave. Keeping tabs on these insights allows you to make efforts to retain the leaving customers. By being proactive, you can ensure that you retain your existing customers and build pathways for potential ones to be the customers.

Voice Assitance

Voice assistants are powered by AI which can be used to enhance customer experience. For example, it can provide instant support and access to information to customers hands-free, making it a convenient option. Moreover, the customers can get product recommendations and reminders to take action. Therefore, they come in handy for customers to save time and effort.

Automate Recurring Tasks

Lastly, AI can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and energy for customer service representatives. These may include handling common questions, processing refunds, updating customer records, etc. Automating these tasks gives customer support representatives to focus on complex issues.

Bottom Line

AI has been the most powerful advancement in technology lately. For businesses, it is a God-sent blessing to optimize their growth and productivity while saving big. It can automate tasks, identify and resolve issues timely, and provide personalized customer experience. So, what are you waiting for? Find the best AI tools to improve your customer service!

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Business

The Power of Personalized Retirement Cards

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2023

Reuben marie

Retirement cards

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Retirement is a time of transition, and it’s a significant milestone in anyone’s life. Retirement represents the end of a long career, and the beginning of a new chapter filled with rest and relaxation. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the retiree and to recognize their years of hard work and dedication. One way to show appreciation is by giving a personalized retirement cards. Personalized retirement cards are a thoughtful and meaningful way to express congratulations, well wishes, and appreciation for someone who is retiring. In this article, we’ll discuss the power of personalized retirement cards and provide tips for creating the perfect one.

Contents

Facilitates Personalization Chat Bots- Round-the-Clock Customer Support Predictive Analytics Voice Assitance Automate Recurring Tasks Bottom Line

Why Personalized Retirement Cards are Powerful

Personalized retirement cards are powerful because they are customized to the recipient. They take into account the retiree’s personality, interests, and accomplishments. A personalized retirement card is a unique and thoughtful way to express congratulations and appreciation for someone who is retiring.

Personalized retirement cards can be sentimental, funny, or a combination of both. They can include personal messages, quotes, or even photos of shared experiences. The sentiment expressed in a personalized retirement card can be a lasting reminder of the retiree’s impact on their colleagues and loved ones.

Creating the Perfect Personalized Retirement Card

Creating the perfect personalized retirement card can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips for creating the perfect one:

Choose a personalized design – Personalized retirement cards come in a variety of designs, including traditional, modern, and humorous. Choose a design that suits the recipient’s personality and taste.

Include a personal message – A personal message is a great way to make a retirement card even more meaningful. Include a message that expresses your congratulations, well wishes, and appreciation for the recipient. You can also include memories of shared experiences or inside jokes that the recipient will appreciate.

Include a photo – Including a photo of the recipient is a great way to personalize a retirement card. You can include a photo of the recipient at work, or a photo of them doing something they love.

Consider the recipient’s interests – Consider the retiree’s interests and hobbies when creating a personalized retirement card. For example, if the retiree loves to travel, you can include a travel-themed design or a message about all the adventures they have ahead.

Examples of Personalized Retirement Card Messages

If you’re struggling to come up with a personal message to include in a personalized retirement card, here are some examples to help you get started:

Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life. (traditional)
Enjoy your retirement, and don’t forget to take time to relax and recharge. You’ve earned it! (sentimental)
Happy retirement! We’ll miss your humor and hard work around the office. (humorous)
Thanks for being an amazing coworker and friend. I’ll never forget all the laughs we shared. (personal)
Here’s to the next adventure! Wishing you all the best in your retirement. (travel-themed)

Creative retirement messages

“Wishing you all the joy and peace that retirement brings. Congratulations!”
“It’s time to say goodbye to the 9 to 5, and hello to days filled with relaxation and adventure. Happy retirement!”
“May your retirement be filled with love, laughter, and lots of time to do the things you enjoy most.”
“It’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!”
“You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to reap the rewards of retirement. Congratulations!”
“The world is your oyster, and retirement is the perfect time to enjoy it. Happy retirement!”
“Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement filled with new adventures and memories to cherish.”
“You’ve put in your time, and now it’s time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Congratulations on your retirement!”
“You may be retiring from your job, but you’re not retiring from life. Enjoy this new chapter to the fullest!”
“Cheers to the next chapter in your life. Happy retirement!”
“You’ve earned this time to relax and enjoy life. Congratulations on your retirement!”
“The hard work is over, and now it’s time to kick back and relax. Happy retirement!”
“May your retirement be as wonderful as you are. Congratulations on this new chapter of your life!”
“Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication. You will be missed, but we wish you a happy retirement!”
“Retirement is not the end, but the beginning of a new adventure. Enjoy every moment!”
“The office won’t be the same without you, but we’re excited for you to start this new chapter. Happy retirement!”
“May your retirement be filled with happiness, good health, and lots of fun. Congratulations!”
“You’ve left your mark on this company, and we’re grateful for your contributions. Enjoy your retirement!”
“Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life.”
“May your retirement be filled with all the things you love most. Enjoy this well-deserved break!”

Conclusion

Personalized retirement cards are a powerful way to express congratulations, well wishes, and appreciation for someone who is retiring. They are customized to the recipient and take into account their personality, interests, and accomplishments. When creating a personalized retirement card, choose a personalized design, include a personal message, include a photo, and consider the recipient’s interests. With these tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect personalized retirement card and show your appreciation for someone who is embarking on a new chapter in their life.

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