What do you expect FEMA, Governement all levels to do for you in a disaster?

[mylilnikita]

I thought of this after reading a thread about the differences between Iowa flood victims and Hurricane Katrina victims.
So, if a disaster is about to / or has had affected your area, what do you expect FEMA and local, state and federal governments to do for the citizens? And what do think as citizens knowing a disaster is going to strike-except tornados where there isn't much warning, but what do you think citizen's responsibilty shoulld be for themselves in a disaster as well?


One more thing, I am not trying to start a debate. It only takes 1 disaster to come where you live and rock your world, so in case people think I haven't been through something- Hurricane Isabel 9-18-2003.

 

[Carl]

Nothing. I have insurance. I expect them to give some aid to those who can not afford insurance. When the last hurricane hit Houston, it flooded 3 of my rent houses. FEMA helped them, but I had to bare the expenses of repairs to the houses. My insurance did not include flood coverage.

 

[AmazingGrace]

When we went through katrina, I was surprised that they were giving out ice and water. I still ended up just boiling water of my own. I had never been through anything like that and i guess i just didn't know what FEMA was all about until then.

 

[rie'smom]

I don't expect the gov't to do anything. That's why I have insurance. However, if there are those less fortunate who do require gov't assistance for food,clothing,and shelter,and medical help, I don't begrudge them that assistance.

 

[Soubrette]

I expect the government to repair and maintain the infrastructure that my taxes have helped pay for. And if a gov't maintained structure fails...something like a levee, perhaps...then I expect the gov't to take responsibility for that failure.

I also expect the gov't to take precautionary measures and implement planning for emergencies so that citizens can act with confidence when emergency situations arise. For example, as one person, I cannot control what roads are open, re-routed, etc. for an evacuation. I depend on gov't to be prepared enough to give me credible information about how to act during an emergency situation.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I live in Earthquake land.

I don't expect much except help in finding people buried under buildings (from the first responders, not FEMA), an offer of clean water and food about three days after the quake, and I expect some sort of crisis center for those in need to find family members, insurance reps, and short-term food and shelter for those who have lost housing.

I don't expect long-term housing, I don't expect water or food for the first three days, and I do expect some assistance for an all-clear to go back into our homes and apartments, unless mine is flattened, then I expect clearance at some point to go and get what I can.

I have an earthquake kit in my car. As does my husband. In our home, we have a larger quake kit. We change the water out once a year and we keep bottled water at home that we rotate. I also have added to my earthquake kits as I need: Spare glasses, contact solution, baby wipes (instead of a shower) and lipstick.

Go ahead and laugh, but I do have lipstick in my earthquake kit.

I do wonder if Katrina and the Flooded areas of Iowa are different. They have much more people in each disaster area that may need help. If two people are harmed and misplaced from their home, it is easy to absorb them and get them on their feet. With Katrina, far too many people lost homes, lives, livelihoods, that maybe they need a longer hand out to get back on their feet.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I expect the government to repair and maintain the infrastructure that my taxes have helped pay for. And if a gov't maintained structure fails...something like a levee, perhaps...then I expect the gov't to take responsibility for that failure.

I also expect the gov't to take precautionary measures and implement planning for emergencies so that citizens can act with confidence when emergency situations arise. For example, as one person, I cannot control what roads are open, re-routed, etc. for an evacuation. I depend on gov't to be prepared enough to give me credible information about how to act during an emergency situation.

Oh, yeah, that stuff too!

I was thinking of just myself, not the community at large. I also expect them to fix the schools as soon as they can, too.

 

[mylilnikita]

I

Go ahead and laugh, but I do have lipstick in my earthquake kit.

IQUOTE]

Hey, do whatever you need to do to try to bring some "normalcy" back after something like that would happen.

I love the idea of the babywipes.

 

[Aliceacc]

Disclaimer: I have never been through any sort of a natural (or other) disaster, though my heart breaks each time I read of another. And Ground Zero is just 45 minutes away.

As the OP mentioned, some disasters (such as a hurricane) can be seen and predicted and prepared for ahead of time. In such an instance, I expect the local government to warn the citizens and do all in its power to get them to safety. (Sorry, Ray Nagle fans, I think the man should be brought up on charges for criminally negligant homicide. He ordered an evacuation, then did absolutely nothing to make it possible. He evacuated people to a place with no emergency generators, located below sea level. Those people needed guidance and he left them to their own devices.)

Sorry, back to the topic. So, if a hurricane were on its way to NYC, I would expect Mayor Bloomberg to order an evacuation of the city and MAKE IT HAPPEN. I would expect that he would provide shelter for those unable (not "unwilling", "unable") to evacuate.

I would also expect capable adults to do a lot of the preparation themselves-- evacuate if at all possible, help themselves and their neighbors to safety, stock up on reasonable supplies--- all those things in the hurricane preparedness bulletins the politicians send out every spring.

For an upredictable disaster-- tornado or earthquake or tsunami type of thing:

I would expect that, as soon as it were safe, relief workers would be at the scene. They would first take care of those most able to benefit from care--kind of like triage on M*A*S*H.

I would expect that an honest effort would be made to open up transportation and communication, to get food and water and medicine to those in need, and to set up temporary housing. I would expect that they would work with the homeowners insurance to get people the insurance they had paid for over the years, and to help in the job search for those whose jobs had been washed or blown away.

 

[Free4Life11]

I expect the government (all levels) to restore utilities as quickly as possible and fix/clear roads and other public ways as quickly as possible. I also expect them to get the public transportation up and running as soon as possible. Also if an evacuation is necessary, I expect them to have an organized plan and to use the city busses to evacuate people without vehicles.

 

[Planogirl]

I have insurance too so I would only hope for help in those first days after a disaster if I needed it. It doesn't have to be a handout but just something to see us through if we need it and it could be paid back.

I also expect them to step in to help people who just simply can't help themselves and need emergency assistance. They can later assess the overall situation and see where they might be needed.

As for people leaving a threatened area, I'm always reminded of the hurricane that hit the Texas coast and ended up spawning slews of tornadoes in the San Antonio area where ironically many Texans had fled to. You just never know.

 

[hentob]

I expect government credit cards where I can charge a Play Station, sporting events, strip clubs and trips to WDW

Oh and that is just the people that the cards were issued to.

Let's not forget the government workers:::

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/19/eveningnews/main1817121.shtml

 

[rie'smom]

I expect government credit cards where I can charge a Play Station, sporting events, strip clubs and trips to WDW

Oh and that is just the people that the cards were issued to.

Let's not forget the government workers:::

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/19/eveningnews/main1817121.shtml

A few bad apples did this. Why turn the thread into a mess. If that's what you're looking for, try Amberdaclowns thread. I'll helpyou, here's the link:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858306&goto=newpost

 

[hentob]

A few bad apples did this. Why turn the thread into a mess. If that's what you're looking for, try Amberdaclowns thread. I'll helpyou, here's the link:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858306&goto=newpost

Oh Sweetie--Why would you ever be rude to me like this? I have always been nice to you.

Did you not see my

Oh well.

 

[hentob]

A few bad apples did this. Why turn the thread into a mess. If that's what you're looking for, try Amberdaclowns thread. I'll helpyou, here's the link:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858306&goto=newpost

Oh, and by the way--Between government /personal abuse, it was more like a few THOUSAND bad apples

 

[lillygator]

I expect them to clear roads, restore utilities, control price gouging etc.

I do not expect them to provide for me, which is what I felt a lot of victims displayed in several recent hurricanes. It is up to me to have a hurricane disaster plan and the supplies needed for my family.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I expect emergeny shelters to established promptly along with food and water distribution available for those who do not need or want to live in a shelter. I also expect prophylactic medication for the diseases likely to follow the disaster and emergency clinics to treat individuals with chronic medical conditions. I expect these things in a matter of a few days at most . . .

 

[mrFDNY]

Hi gang,

This is a tough topic.Hopefully none of us, will have to find the answer to this question out for real. I guess i'll express my opinion from the other side. With that said, as a memeber of the New York City Fire Dept, We have many plans in place. Still we have to wait for the disaster to actually strike before we can do anything at all. We know from drills and mock training disasters that FEMA will take anywhere from 2 to 4 days to actually mobilize and get to the hardest hit areas.

We are commitied to helping you in any way, shape or form, but sometimes the call volume is just palin overwheleming. Even with 20,000 firefighters, 4,000 FDNY Paramedics and some 35,000 police officers in New York City,it can be tough. Listen to your emergency services, if they ask that you evacuate, trust them and do it. You should keep an potable am/fm radio and enough food and water that does not have to be in the fridge for 5 days, but 7 to 9 would be best.

Remember we are people too, our homes are getting ruined, flooded and sometimes we cannot get in contact with our own familys, but we still respond to your 911 call for help. Most times those calling 911 for help, are the areas that we already asked that you evacuate and leave, thats why it is important, to get out if local/state or federal gov't emergency services tell you too.

Sadly i say it like it is, you cannot depend on anyone one during an real disaster, i mean if your home collapses and you are trapped, of course we will come and get you out. You need to be able to fend for your self, have a route planned for an evac order, water and non-perishable food, flashlights, a radio. Listen to the radio for orders. Be ready to evacuate in a minutes notice. If your not sure that your house is safe enough, then just evac and leave it.

A house, or car can be replaced, its sad and hard but property can be replaced, human life cannot.

Be prepared and be ready for anything at anytime is your best defense!

 

[bicker]

And what do think as citizens knowing a disaster is going to strike-except tornados where there isn't much warning, but what do you think citizen's responsibilty shoulld be for themselves in a disaster as well?

This is a really good question. It reminds me specifically of the "disasters" that occurred every two or three years, on Sandy Hook, when I was living in New Jersey. The folks living there could count on having to rebuild major portions of their home every few years. They got so good at it, that they had innovated ways to ensure that their irreplaceable personal property wouldn't be damaged. My feeling is that whenever the same disaster strikes twice within twenty years, the second pay-out comes with an unbreakable contract absolving the government of any further pay-outs, and for rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure in that area.

One more thing, I am not trying to start a debate.

The best way of accomplishing that is to avoid posting controversial questions!

 

[barkley]

Hi gang,

This is a tough topic.Hopefully none of us, will have to find the answer to this question out for real. I guess i'll express my opinion from the other side. With that said, as a memeber of the New York City Fire Dept, We have many plans in place. Still we have to wait for the disaster to actually strike before we can do anything at all. We know from drills and mock training disasters that FEMA will take anywhere from 2 to 4 days to actually mobilize and get to the hardest hit areas.

We are commitied to helping you in any way, shape or form, but sometimes the call volume is just palin overwheleming. Even with 20,000 firefighters, 4,000 FDNY Paramedics and some 35,000 police officers in New York City,it can be tough. Listen to your emergency services, if they ask that you evacuate, trust them and do it. You should keep an potable am/fm radio and enough food and water that does not have to be in the fridge for 5 days, but 7 to 9 would be best.

Remember we are people too, our homes are getting ruined, flooded and sometimes we cannot get in contact with our own familys, but we still respond to your 911 call for help. Most times those calling 911 for help, are the areas that we already asked that you evacuate and leave, thats why it is important, to get out if local/state or federal gov't emergency services tell you too.

Sadly i say it like it is, you cannot depend on anyone one during an real disaster, i mean if your home collapses and you are trapped, of course we will come and get you out. You need to be able to fend for your self, have a route planned for an evac order, water and non-perishable food, flashlights, a radio. Listen to the radio for orders. Be ready to evacuate in a minutes notice. If your not sure that your house is safe enough, then just evac and leave it.

A house, or car can be replaced, its sad and hard but property can be replaced, human life cannot.

Be prepared and be ready for anything at anytime is your best defense!

i'll add a suggestion one of my buddies from law enforcement is realy a proponant of-familiarize yourself with all alternate routes to and from your home. in the event of damage to a major roadway, not knowing an alternate route can mean the difference of getting out or getting stuck.

my friend was absolutly floored during the loma prieta earthquake (when many of california's roads and bridges were devastated in the bay area) how many calls the california highway patrol received from stranded motorists who could not figure out how to get home when their normal travel route was unavailable.