Having a little freak out. Need to get a grip.

[KissesYouLikeaCoalMiner]

My husband works down a mine. He was supposed to be home about an hour ago but just had a phone call from HR to say that they are all trapped underground due to a powercut. The powercut was about 2:30pm and it's still not been restored.

I'm worried about the heat down there, will they still have enough water etc.

I'm a bit scared and I'm on the verge of a panic attack. I have my coping strategies and I'm doing them but just need someone to have a firm word and tell me to pull myself together.

when it wasn't a cave in or a bad weather, I would not panic.
They could get stuff down without electricity the old fashioned way.
What kind of mine is it?

You're right, not a cave in, or a flood or underground fire this time so it's gonna be fine.

It's a potash mine.

Is there another wife or partner you know you can chat with while you wait? That must be really worrying

To distract you:
No experience with potash (I had to google) - I am from the Ruhr area and can still draw a cut through a hard coal mine. Learned that in year 4.

Ok, you can do this. There's nothing you can do from home and I imagine you're not going to sleep until you know he's safe. So, go make yourself a hot drink and put something funny and distracting on the telly. Did DH's manager say how/when you can get updates?

Did DH's manager say how/when you can get updates?
They will set up sth to keep you informed and "no news" as the saying goes ....

Distraction:
I lighted a candle to St. Barbara (I am RC) patron saint of miners

Thank you Proku

I'm feeling better now. Still owrried but not freaking out. Worse things have happened and he was fine. Gonna make a hot choc and get my knitting out. Might be in for a long wait.

Ok practical head on... I'm sure they have safety and contingency plans for this sort of thing and everyone will be working hard to restore power and get them home.

In the meantime, tea, chocolate, knitting, trash TV, whatever keeps your mind busy.

Can you start a gripping mini series to take your mind off it?? Dr Foster / succession / Strike are the first ones off the top of my head.

They will have plans, policies and processes that are in full swing by now. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before it's sorted.

If it is just a power cut then they won't be able to work the lift that brings them to the surface.
I'm sure they will have back ups for the airlock and ventilation, things like that.

So it will just be a matter of waiting for power. They will all be absolutely fine.

Knitting is a great distraction with a nice result at the end.

They might be waiting for a replacement part and as it is Friday, that may take some chasing.

Just take a step back and think about all the H&S training they have had about these possible scenarios. All will be fine.

Poor you OP, and poor him. Just find something to distract yourself, they will be ok. Did they say how often they would update you?

The last time he was trapped underground we had to beg for updates.

It was a lot more serious last time though.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-36033679

I thought it was that mine (I know the term now - Kali Bergwerk).

If they still are that bad with communication - how about a union / his union representive taking things in hand (sorry, thinking in a different system here).

Still not home :(

Goodness, that’s a long way down! Fingers crossed you get some good news soon.

Ugh, sounds like torture, OP. Have ypu had any further communication?

That must be so worrying OP - have you heard anything? You’ve taught me something new today - I had never heard of Potash mining!

No nothing at all and I dont know how to get in touch with anybody. Phones are down and it was a private number that contacted me before.

That's incredibly stressful, I'm so sorry! I agree that knitting sounds like a good way to pass the time. Maybe a mindless tv show?

Oh that is so crap of them not to have a number you can call them on. Something to press them for - a proper comms policy for families in this kind of situation

3am for you (2pm for me) - that’s the absolute worst time to be awake and worrying. Time really drags. Are you in touch with any other miners’ families?

What a worry, and rotten feeling unable to contact anyone. Powercuts can be long and tedious though - I bet they are sitting down there feeling hot and bored but ultimately fine.

You must be feeling so worried. It's crap that the company are so poor at communicating with you. Can you call the local police station to see if they have any updates? They might be able to get a number for you to call at the least.