"September is National Preparedness Month" Across the U.S.

[AgadorSparticus]

<snip>
With bad timing that would be funny if the circumstances weren't so tragic, the US department of homeland security announced today that "September is National Preparedness Month" across the United States:

"Emergency preparedness matters and this is a message that you can't afford to ignore," a sober-faced official announced at the launch. "Emergencies can happen to you. You can make an emergency plan, you can build an emergency kit ... Taking these simple steps will help you to be ready for an emergency when it comes." Not only that: being prepared for emergencies "gives you a feeling that is truly magical. I hope we can really take a moment out to think about emergency preparedness, for ourselves, our families and our businesses."

It is unlikely that any of this will be much comfort to the thousands left bereaved or homeless by Hurricane Katrina. As Professor Paul White makes very plain in an article in today's Washington Post, although there was advance notice of Katrina, and a plan was in place, its execution was woefully inadequate:

Washington should take heed of the chaos surrounding the early relief effort. If this is what happens when the nation has two days of advance warning, imagine the aftermath of a surprise attack using a chemical, biological or nuclear device.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/archives/usa/

I'm not sure to laugh or cry....

[uppityperson]

1. I could use a truly magical feeling right now.

Got my meds refilled today and restocked my earthquake preparedness pantry.

[AgadorSparticus]

2. well then, you're one step ahead of FEMA.