On March 29, 1979, I was 19 and a sophomore at F&M College.  I lived at home in Lancaster City and commuted to school.  I also worked at the Weis Markets on Millersville Pike.

I had seen “The China Syndrome” the Saturday before the accident.  So, when we started to hear what was happening, I told my parents we should leave.  We spent one night in a motel; I am not sure where!

F&M emptied out in a half a day and it was very spooky for anyone who was left – the people who lived in apartments or commuted.

My dad was a City of Lancaster firefighter and had to attend meetings with the mayor on how to evacuate.  He was supposedly in charge of getting housebound persons out of the area.  We learned that everyone who was able would have to drive to Park City parking lot and get on buses.  No pets would be allowed on the buses.

That is the life of the family of a first responder.

We had a dog so my mom and I decided to leave and take the dog.  My dad had to stay.  We loaded up our brand new station wagon which we had just purchased about a week earlier.  My mom didn’t drive and I think Dad was a little apprehensive letting me drive the brand new vehicle.  (My dad was stuck with my red VW bug.)  It is difficult to know what to take when you are not sure if you will ever return home. (Do I take more practical clothing that I will actually wear or take more mementos I don’t want to lose?  We opted for a little of both.)  Of course, the harder thing was leaving my dad behind, but that is the life of the family of a first responder.

Thankfully, my dad’s sister said we could come to stay with her family in Johnstown.  We stopped in York to pick up my grandmother along the way.  We stayed in Johnstown for about a week.  As a sort of payment for housing us, my mom and I cleaned the kitchen, did other chores, and bought groceries.  We also spent some time bowling just to keep us occupied.

Every evening we were glued to the news. Dr. Denton was the expert.  It seemed like you could really trust him – when you couldn’t be sure whom else to trust.  He helped to keep everyone calm.

After we returned, we joined in the class action suit.  We were reimbursed for expenses and lost wages.

In 1987, I married a guy who worked at TMI during the accident (and has now retired).  He was off work on the day of accident (so you can’t blame him!).  He has told me many stories about the accident and the cleanup.  He was on security at the time.  He said that one day he and another guard were guarding who came into the control room.  A gentleman rushed in. My husband stopped him and asked for his ID.  The other guard said “Don’t you know who that is?”  It was someone very high up in the company and my husband apologized.  The guy responded, “Don’t apologize.  You are the first person today who knows what his job is and is doing it!”

That’s my TMI story.

Wanda