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Originally Posted by Scrooge McSam
Now then...
If my friend, cut with needles hanging out of his arm, can get out of town on his own, why can't FEMA get a ham sandwich to the convention center?
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That might just be the question of the year. And so very well stated, too. I'd give snaps, but the whole topic is so distressing.
I understand that the level of destruction perhaps caught people off guard. I understand that there's some confusion over FEMA's shifting role. I understand that the current situation would be easier to manage if more people had evacuated.
But in the name of all that is holy, why is seemingly no one in charge? Why are local forces struggling to get by while federal agencies stalled for days? Any idiot knows how vital communication is in a disaster. So why are officials oblivious and victims kept as in the dark as it is possible to be? Why did the situation have to get this bad before help arrived?
And most terrifying -- what does this mean for my community? It's no San Fran, but it's still earthquake country up here. If that big quake they say is overdue comes knocking, will there be any evidence that public officials have learned their lesson? Hell, we can't even have an international conference up here without descending into anarchy downtown.
It's a 3 day weekend. Over this weekend, I strongly suggest that each and every one of you lucky enough to have a roof over your head and 3 squares a day take a look at your own situation. If a natural or other disaster hit your area, would you be prepared? Do you have food, medicine, and bottled water on hand? What about at work? In your car? Do you have a plan for reaching family members? If you have to evacuate your home, do you know what you would take with you? Is it easily accessible? Do you make sure you have half-a-tank of gas in the car at all times, just in case? Do you have an emergency, battery-powered radio? Do you know where it is? Have you considered your pets and their needs?
I'm no saint -- When I sold my old car I didn't transfer my emergency kit to the new car and I frequently wait until 1/4 tank to fill up. But I'll be checking my stocks again this weekend.
(In the meantime -- I'd love to see the head of FEMA's personal preparedness plans. I'm not sure glass houses offer much protection in times of disaster.)