FEMA Florida Response

[Hurritrax]

How did FEMA actually do in Florida after learning lessons from Katrina and Rita? Is FEMA actually screwing up as bad as the press says, or are they doing all they can based on the number communities and people they are having to deal with?

After hearing the press begin to bash FEMA again for their Florida response, Jeb Bush made the comment that the people in Florida had plenty of time to prepare for Wilma, but obviously, many did not. We know that FEMA and the fed. gov. really mucked up the response to Katrina, and improved a little for Rita. But it now appears that FEMA is destined to always be criticized no matter how they respond to a disaster.

Were the people of Florida prepared or did they take Wilma for granted?

[Lindaloo]

FEMA ordered generators two days ago to go to Boca Raton. How do I know? I am having them delivered.

[Aquawind]

Good Question... I would have to say the majority of the problem was not being prepared when fully warned. I do think people have less concern when they are on the other side of landfall of well inland elsewhere. Fact is these storms are killers and destroyers well inland. The very low lying swampy southern tip of Florida is not much of a bump in the road for a well developed hurricane. When told to prepare the kit should have food for 3 days.. People were complaining immediately.. Of course unusual circumstances happen and not everyone can afford a generator etc.. That is what the shelters are for as well.. If you stay home plan for post storm..not just THE storm!

FEMA probably made some mistakes..Drivers got lost..Miscommunication..People were told to early and made to wait..Gov't stuff top to bottom..Not just FEMA though..Fact is people need to be better prepared for after the storm..Gas,Food, Water, ICE, Medicine and yeah if you have power requirements a generator and the Gas for it for 72 hours..

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/pr ... _kit.shtml

Even the best planning and execution will be scrutinized by those unprepared..

Paul

[StormWatcher2]

I agree with Gov. Bush. There was plenty of notice and plenty of time to do what did not amount to much more than buying a little bit more than the usual groceries.

I visited family in FLA Friday through Sunday and we saw the usual constant flow of utility and tree trimming trucks as well as a lot of portable power (Not household generators, this was Caterpillar Power pulled by Semi's). It appearred that the prepartion was better than what my my perception is of what happened prior to Katrina.

It is obvious that there has been some missteps by the Government, and it is difficult after a storm but, a little bit of pre-storm preparation can make a big difference and it beats the heck out of waiting 12 hours in a line for 3 water and 1 bag of ice.

[Ixolib]

...Fact is people need to be better prepared for after the storm..Gas, Food, Water, ICE, Medicine and yeah if you have power requirements a generator and the Gas for it for 72 hours.
Paul

Yeah, Man!! You hit the nail on the head with this post. For some strange reason, some people believe the government should be personally knocking on their door as soon as the winds drop below 30MPH with everything they need to live in absolute comfort. Here in Biloxi after Katrina, I did not see ANY ice, water, or gas for four days - but I also didn't expect it. That's why I made sure to have all those things on hand and in stock well before landfall. Gotta give credit to Jeb for telling it like it is!!

Your presentation of the FACT is right on!!

[bevgo]

...Fact is people need to be better prepared for after the storm..Gas, Food, Water, ICE, Medicine and yeah if you have power requirements a generator and the Gas for it for 72 hours.
Paul

Yeah, Man!! You hit the nail on the head with this post. For some strange reason, some people believe the government should be personally knocking on their door as soon as the winds drop below 30MPH with everything they need to live in absolute comfort. Here in Biloxi after Katrina, I did not see ANY ice, water, or gas for four days - but I also didn't expect it. That's why I made sure to have all those things on hand and in stock well before landfall. Gotta give credit to Jeb for telling it like it is!!

Your presentation of the FACT is right on!!

I too agree with this. I had food, water and Ice to last at least 7 days. What I didn't count on was a 2 y/o grandson that refused to eat hurricane food LOL. It was not funny then and when we both got ill we had to get out and go to the waiting arms of family--yea I had the gas in the cars before the storm. I was really upset that Red Cross had not made it in by 3 days--but only because the GS would not eat. I am grown and understand--he did not. I won't stay again but will be much better prepared for the aftermath. I just thought I was ready. I WILL be ready for next year--I will have a gas grill and plenty of propane and the means to cook food on it. I will have battery powered fans to keep as cool as possible and I will have tents to camp in the yard if the inside is too hot.

My majority of ice was frozen gallons of water. It lasted much better than bagged ice and could be used for drinking water as it melted. It also kept the other stuff cold like my )must have) diet coke.

We MUST be prepared to meet our own needs at least short term. We cannot rely on others to do it for us. Go Gov. Jeb. NOLA needs someone like you too.

[southerngale]

...Fact is people need to be better prepared for after the storm..Gas, Food, Water, ICE, Medicine and yeah if you have power requirements a generator and the Gas for it for 72 hours.
Paul

Yeah, Man!! You hit the nail on the head with this post. For some strange reason, some people believe the government should be personally knocking on their door as soon as the winds drop below 30MPH with everything they need to live in absolute comfort. Here in Biloxi after Katrina, I did not see ANY ice, water, or gas for four days - but I also didn't expect it. That's why I made sure to have all those things on hand and in stock well before landfall. Gotta give credit to Jeb for telling it like it is!!

Your presentation of the FACT is right on!!

I agree as well. Of course there are always extinuating circumstances, but for the most part, it is amazing how many people simply do not prepare. In my case (and most everyone around here), 72 hours of supplies wouldn't have made it, so I suggest more. It was weeks before we got utilities. But I knew that was a possibility, and evacuated. Of course I didn't count on getting hit where I evacuated to and being without power there for days (well, month+ but I left), but that's another story.

FEMA responded quickly when I reached them, about a week or so after the hurricane, with a direct deposit of emergency funds. They were also sending some forms, but I was moving around a lot and not sure where to have them sent...I think they got lost in the mail. I'm trying to get some new ones sent.

I think of any help, whether it be by the government, private donors, churches or whatever as God sent and a blessing, not a right. I'm responsible for myself. God bless those willing to offer some help...