Community Disaster Response - Katrina

I'm responding to the many opinions I have read about the slow response to hurricane Katrina. I have several opinions on this but will admit that the response did seem slow on the surface. My own "digging" provided evidence otherwise. That said, my data comes from US Military and Government sources such as FEMA and the Red Cross. I may post some of the "proof" on a web page someday but I'm currently overwhelmed with requirements. I have compiled some great photographs with a timeline.

The fact is... part of the Governments investment in emergency response is the government National Hurricane Center, (NHC) http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. This is a fully funded department of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) http://www.noaa.gov/, which is part of the Department of Commerce, http://www.commerce.gov/. The billions spent by the NHC is to help local resource directors prepare for hurricanes. Years ago this was not available and in many countries it is not available even today.

The U.S. Military, National Guard, Coast Guard and other defense related operational units of the USA were all put on alert days before Katrina hit the coast of Florida much less Louisiana. While I agree that it seemed sluggish, a little sleuthing shows that all branches of the military were prepared for Katrina. In fact, the Navy was on station even before Katrina hit the coast of LA. and were responding with search and rescue operations even before the winds died down.

FEMA which is now part of Homeland Defense had made preparations long before Katrina hit the coast. I know it's all just words so I offer a link and an image. Link to more http://www.photolibrary.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=14828

Atlanta, GA, August 25, 2005 -- A FEMA representative checks in upon arrival to the Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) . The RRCC has been activated in preparation for the landfall of Tropical Storm Katrina. FEMA/Mark Wolfe

Notice the date and the status of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) when the photo was taken.

Okay... so FEMA RRCC had been activated on August 25th, the status of the hurricane had been monitored. A full evacuation of the city ordered by FEMA, the Governor and Mayor of the jurisdictions... what else could have been done? Oh sure, hindsight is 20/20 but if you really want to know what I think, and I think you do, what should have been done is to either raise the elevation of New Orleans or flood it to make it uninhabitable years ago. That would have prevented this particular disaster of biblical proportion. Not a popular opinion I am sure.

We have heard little from Mississippi or Alabama because while there was a great amount of destruction and even deaths, the flood in New Orleans and the resulting refugee situation is getting our attention and rightfully so. That said, the reason for the low number of deaths in the other areas is because the United States was in fact prepared and put into effect an good and tangible readiness plan.

So as I sat with tears in my eyes, watching the news and pictures of people stranded on their roofs. As I heard stories of people dieing in their attics from starvation, exposure and suffocation. As I saw the civil unrest and lawlessness that resulted from opportunistic criminals, I had to think; "What could have been the solution?" Or better; "What could I do different in my own community?"

As many of you know, I'm a member of the Air Force as is my son. I'm also a past member of the Civil Air Patrol and CAP Counter Drug unit as well as a participant in my community. I have talked with the local Sheriff as well as the county Judge Executive over the years about civil defense. It has long been an interest of mine.

Sidebar:

I saw a small piece of a program on T.V. last night that really brought it all together for me. This news program was also exploring the question, "What could we have done differently?" And while the topic was being used as a political tool, there was some good insight offered. In a nutshell, the frontline emergency responders such as fire fighters, police, search and rescue and paramedics were advising that people prepare themselves instead of relying on local or federal agencies to whisk them away from harms reach.

The people interviewed offered some great advice for coastal residents (since 50% of the US population is within 50 miles of a coast), such as creating a disaster preparedness kit, or establishing your personal evacuation plans using the published evacuation routes offered by the government. The suggested that families sit and discuss the worst case scenarios and even establish meeting places and alternate meeting places in case of evacuation. I mean some really good stuff was offered on this show... even though in the end it turned out to be a politic stump.

So as I was saying, I had to ask myself, "What can I do to help myself and my community?" A little poking around revealed a number of ways I can get involved even in our small town. What I did more than I already have is to contact the Citizen Corps. What is that? I quote:

Citizen Corps, a vital component of USA Freedom Corps, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.

http://www.citizencorps.gov/about.shtm

This month's Citizen Corps meeting in my county will be held when I am out of town, but I intend to get involved. I'm already starting some preparations that I have always wanted to do but always put off and the key is the personal readiness kit as I call it. Basic information can be found at: http://www.citizencorps.gov/about.shtm. I will also sit down and review some what ifs. What if there was a fire, a spill, a flood, a terrorist attack? How will I survive immediately and long term? How will I protect and defend myself? How will I be able to assist my neighbors? my community? my country?

I've decided to take matters into my own hands instead of waiting for prince charming to come and rescue me. I've decided to get involved in my community so as to be a part of the solution and not a burden when times get tough. I've decided to learn the skills necessary for my own survival and the survival of those around me. I plan to learn more basic survival skills such as food and shelter, first aid and disease, even civil protection and self defense. And yes, I'll make my personal kit and in my kit there will be a gun. I know, not a popular choice but is something I feel is necessary... to me. (Just look at the recent examples of as I call it it... "opportunistic criminals.") Having been trained in the military how to use a rifle and handgun, I feel qualified. Even so, I will provide training for my household concerning the proper use, cleaning and responsible ownership of any weapon in our possession.

Other preparation ideas? Take a CPR and First Aid class or even paramedic training if time allows. Weapons training and self defense classes as mentioned. Ride along with the police and fire departments. FEMA search and rescue training. Outdoor survival skills and even camping. Just stuff that will help me be equipped with the skills and knowledge to be an asset to my community in time of need.

I'm not suggesting that everyone do what I'm doing. I'm simply sharing my personal opinions and offering resources for other like minded individuals if it be their choice. I'm just the kind of guy who tires easily hearing the excuses and will stand up and be counted as one who is willing to make a difference in his own community.

Who was that former president who said... "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!" ...?

That's the point!