What can we do to make things better in future disasters?

[FoodLover]

One thing that has become very clear to me is that we cannot count on our "leaders" to create and execute a disaster plan competently. I fear that when we are confronted by another major natural disaster or another massive terrorist attack, we will be in for another round of hand-wringing, finger-pointing and slow/inadequate responses.

So here are a few random thoughts of mine on how we can make things better for the future. I'd love to hear other ideas and suggestions.

First, it is our responsibility as Americans to VOTE in ways that will help insure disasters are handled much better. That means not only supporting potential leaders who are competent, compassionate and intelligent, but also opening our pocketbooks sometimes in order to pay for better infrastructure, better preparedness, etc.

Obviously, to the degree possible, we all need to take personal responsibility for our own survival. My husband and I have always had disaster plans and the supplies we need to survive for awhile on our own. We are now going over those carefully to make sure we haven't missed anything.

But now we're realizing we need to be prepared to do more for others, because in a crisis there will always be those who lack the resources to care for themselves. Yes, some people affected by disasters will end up in a bad way because they were short-sighted, foolish or lazy, and it can be hard to feel a lot of sympathy. But what about old people, the sick, the dirt-poor, those with disabilities, children? They have been left behind (quite literally) in this crisis. That can't happen again.

As a result of what I have seen going on in New Orleans, I am going to get some training that will make me useful in a crisis -- possibly EMT training. It is killing me to feel so helpless to do anything practical to help (beyond giving money, which of course we have done).

There must be hundreds of other ways to become more prepared and more useful, on a completely personal level. We need people to organize community disaster plans, donate or raise money for critical equipment (i.e. communications equipment that WORKS during a disaster) ... the list goes on.

What are you going to do?

 

[C.Ann]

Excellent ideas! Relying on the government would be a mistake, so it's extremely important to have your own disaster plan in place that will assist you and those around you..

A large group of us were discussing this last night - many excellent ideas were exchanged.. The discussions will continue over the next 2 days and by Monday we will have firm plans in place - ranging all the way from further education to safe havens..

 

[katerkat]

I heard that in disaster planning, local communities should have a plan to last them 5-7 days, because that's how long federal assistance takes.

 

[bicker]

This is it in a nutshell, "opening our pocketbooks sometimes in order to pay for better infrastructure, better preparedness, etc." It is unfair to say it's the politician's fault, when they have simply been doing our will in this regard. The American people have railed against spending money on anything that doesn't directly benefit them today. I'm not convinced that the American people, after this catastrophe has faded from the forefront of our memory, will be receptive to doing so.

 

[floridaminnie]

I heard that in disaster planning, local communities should have a plan to last them 5-7 days, because that's how long federal assistance takes.

That should include your meds, food, water, etc.

 

[seashoreCM]

Local government was really in the best position, state government next, to maintain law and order. Still, in the future, the federal government should send troops more quickly.

Much more supplies could have been brought in and many more people could have been evacuated more quickly from New Orleans and other congested areas if armed gangs of marauders and looters been kept at bay, using drastic measures if needed.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm