Dave_Osterberg's Blog

Over the next few weeks, I am going to blog about some of the things I overheard at this years National Hurricane Conference. Some of it is old hat, some of it new. For my first blog let me talk about a lecture from Craig Fugate who is the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.  His lecture focused on Florida Catastrophic Planning.

First off I have to say that Hurricane Katrina a few years back taught all emergency managers valuable lessons. I guess we all realized that no matter how prepared we thought we are, it has to be better. So the FDEM(Florida Division of Emergency Management), has set up their planning on a storm like the great Miami Hurricane of 1926. That storm devastated Miami, Lake Okeechobee, then returned to the Gulf of Mexico near Tampa before making another landfall near Pensacola. If such a storm of the same magnitude and size was to hit the same area today damage estimates could be between 130 and 150 billion dollars!!!!!! Using LIDAR which is high resolution digital elevation maps, and the US National Grid, the state can pinpoint areas that would be at most risk.  After the storm is over their primary objectives would be to secure the area and make sure everyone was safe. Then and only then could the state begin the process of helping people recover. When we tell you to prepare three days worth of supplies for your family, we mean it.  The state is counting on this. They need that first 72 hours to secure and make afe the effected area. So no matter how fantastic the state disaster plan may be, if you don't do your part, the whole system breaks down. Craig promised, we will be there, but you need to mkae sure you are ready for three days. And I do believe he is right. Think of it this way, you don't rely on the Red Cross or the state to provide food and water each day, why would you do this after the storm. Craig also made a point that there has to be some localization of this help. For examples, if there are restaurants and shops which are able to provide food, shelter, and water why can't they help instead of everybody going hungry until the state gets there. Again another great idea. Most people have cash on hand for just this very reason.  I am sure that the state or federal government would help out these restaurants afterwards. It was interesting listening to Craig because at times he felt like my dad lecturing me. But you know what, he is right!!! It is an individuals responsibility to be prepared for these storms. We try to drill it into peoples head, but many do not listen. So before you go blaming everyone else, ask yourself did I prepare for 72 hours first.