[at-l] Natural Disasters and Solutions to Future Problems

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

In a message dated 9/7/2005 8:10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,  
jbullar1@twcny.rr.com writes:

A lot of  the agony in New Orleans (and 
elsewhere along the Gulf Coast) could have  been avoided if there were 
hurricane proof shelters already there stocked  with food and water for a 
week. It wouldn't have been a matter of how to  get it there quickly from 
somewhere else. It would only be a distribution  problem within the city.


It is apparent that the flooding of the city due to the breach of the 17th  
Street Dike (and perhaps another) was the culprit.  The city was fairly dry  
until that happened.  If there were storage of food and drinking water that  may 
have helped or it may not have, depending upon a proper distribution  plan.  
It seems that the local government failed in this regard  (distribution and 
planning for catastrophe).  
 
Not to blame the victims because how could anyone know the circumstances  
that would ensue, but there has been a message broadcast in the NY Metropolitan  
Area (following 9/11) that each family should have a "go bag," that would  
provide readiness for escape from a disaster. If every family had storage of  
potable water it would also have aided in this disaster.  But not every  family 
is able (financially, and discipline wise) to do this.  The next two  levels of 
society also failed to store basic survival items.  Community  Centers Parish 
wide or on a smaller scale and City-wide implementation of  survival stores 
were non existent.  Hikers might have filtering equipment  and dried foods, 
etc., to manage for a few days and that would last until  government institutions 
begin to work.  Valuable lessons from hiking groups  and individual people 
who prepare will enable others to emulate the practices of  those who survive in 
the woods for days at a time.
 
The evacuation in the face of a Class IV or V hurricane should have been  
organized long before a storm arrives.  This should have been done for  confined 
persons (Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Jails, Prisons, Residential Schools,  etc.) 
and for those unable to leave because of a lack of funds and  transportation. 
 
 
The White House will do a study to determine why things broke down.   This 
will be a helpful investigation for internal procedures.  At the same  time 
Congress will investigate the whole disaster and this will be helpful to  
determine a plan for anticipated problems in other instances.  The two  investigations 
will give a thorough look into FEMA and local government  procedures.
 
As the flood waters recede there is much work to restore New Orleans  needed. 
 Already stores are open and people are adjusting and correcting  some of the 
damage.  I saw a contractor on TV who was ready to work but  said that there 
were no materials to be had because some of the lumber stores  and supply 
stores were not open.  Slowly the city of NO will come  back.  
 
Skylander