FEMA to the rescue?

Who you gonna call? - Ghost Busters

After 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, a 2007 Red Cross survey found that 93 percent of Americans were still not prepared for a disaster. This is doubly alarming given that the media showed very clearly with Katrina how disasters can overload emergency responders, especially during the first 12 to 72 hours. The US has only one firefighter for every 280 people and one police officer for every 385 people. That means that in an emergency most people "are going to be on their own for possibly 48 to 72 hours," says David Paulison of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is just not physically possible for every person to be rescued immediately or even within 24 hours.

A different survey conducted last year indicates that most Georgians aren't aware of what supplies they need in order to be prepared for a natural disaster, or — even worse — a terrorist attack, when supply lines, communication and electricity are interrupted. Adults surveyed thought they had enough supplies on hand to deal with a disaster, but, when pressed, they listed only a flashlight, a basic first-aid kit and some nonperishable food. About 80 percent acknowledged they do not have other necessities like extra prescription medications, a face mask, maps and cash. Only 44 percent of Georgians knew that they should be prepared to survive on their own for at least three days.

In a recent NY conference, disaster officials were taught that telling the public "to call FEMA is wrong." FEMA is not a first-responder agency. In the event of a disaster, local agencies are responsible for taking care of village and town citizens, not the federal government. In fact, FEMA does not step in until county and state resources have already been used and exceeded. In NY there is a $4 million threshold of damage that has to be met before a county like Suffolk can reach out to the state for disaster assistance. Only after $23.5 million worth of damage is done, can the sate then reach out to the federal government (FEMA).

This confusion over the "chain of command" caused problems during Katrina. The Mayor of New Orleans was loudly yelling for President Bush and the National Guard to assist. However the federal government is only allowed to act when legally requested by the state Governor. During Katrina the Governor was reluctant ask for help and delayed giving the National Guard permission because ultimately the State of Louisiana would have to reimburse the federal governments for the cost of the assistance. Until the full scope of the emergency became clear, it was not obvious to the state which would cost more - local damage or the cost of outside help.

Bottom Line
Governments are SLOW to act in emergencies and limited by red tape and budgets. Ditto for the American Red Cross. Don't count on outside help. Be sure you can take care of yourself and your family.