Posted On: October 16, 2007, 2:50 pm CDT

Posted By: Dawn

Following Andrew, FEMA was on the scene within 2 days. Then, (under Bush, I have to add) FEMA was moved to Homeland Security and a man who had spent his career planning for Horses took over. Suddenly FEMA had no power, and no leadership. Moving FEMA under Homeland Security was by far one of the most idiotic moves ever. The order to help couldn't just come from FEMA, it had to be channeled through Homeland Security. Natural disasters are NOT Homeland Security's jurisdiction, so they were unprepared. They were prepared for bombings or chemical warfare. IMHO someone is finally NOT waiting for someone above their heads to give approval and making real plans to really help people. That's a good thing.

As far as being prepared? You can store everything you want. We are told to have enough for 3 days. You CANNOT plan for lift stations to be down- (our sewage backed up for a month) gas stations to be closed- perishables to be unavailable after several days. Babies need formula, people need ice, etc. FEMA used to be the ones that came in with the trucks and supplies that you couldn't stock up on.
They sent the Army Corp of Engineers to put tarps on homes that owners were unable to do themselves. They brought in trailers for people who's homes were condemned and insurance only pays for 30 days loss of use.

Of course, that was Andrew. During Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma, ice was in short supply, trailers never arrived, tarps took months to find their way to S Fla. But we had an offer for TONS of gas masks. LOL.

Hopefully this is a sign that when we have the next catastrophe, someone won't say "Having dinner, leave a message."