Bringing Life into the World During Sub-Zero Temperatures

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency on Thursday, February 3, 2011 when natural gas supplies were disrupted during the sub-zero temperatures. Entire communities were affected when the supply of natural gas was depleted to individual homes and businesses. While the ranch outside of Mountainair, New Mexico was not affected by the gas outages, we were affected by the incredibly cold temperatures and did lose our running water. During the first storm, I was out in the corrals delivering twin calves. "Negative 2" and "Negative 4" are both doing great as is their mother. They are happily residing in a barn for the duration of the new storm and freezing temperatures.

The second arctic storm dumped as much as 18 inches for fresh powder across the state. Temperatures dropped to -22 here at the ranch where we received an additional 3 inches of snow.

Frozen water pipes have been a major concern for everyone in New Mexico with the gas outages. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez authorized The National Guard, Emergency Management, New Mexico Gas Company and licensed plumbers and pipefitters have been mobilized to aide those who lost service initially. Crews worked through the night restoring services throughout the affected areas.

On Tuesday, February 8, the Gas Company of New Mexico issued a press release stating that a fund had been set up to help individual homeowners and business with claims for damages due to the outages. According to the Taos News, The New Mexico Gas Company urges customers to file claims with their insurance companies first before filing a claim against New Mexico Gas. The hotline for claims is 1-888-664-2726.

At the ranch this morning, "Negative 2" and Negative 4" are bucking and playing in the icy temperatures. I envy them their thick fur coats and look forward to the higher temperatures forecasted for this weekend. Highs in the 50's sounds like heaven after witnessing -22 and worse this past week.