Let’s face it. At best, the federal government faces challenges when it comes to helping residents in the event of major disasters, as seen with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is trying to improve its response time to victims of storms and other natural disasters, and hopes to do so with a new case program to launch in 2010. Kay Brown, director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), said the following in congressional testimony:
“Case management agencies experienced challenges in delivering federally funded disaster case management services due to staff turnover and large caseloads, limited community resources, federal funding rules, and a lack of coordinated outreach.”
More than $231 million in disaster relief could not be delivered to Louisiana and Mississippi residents who suffered loss due to hurricanes, because the federal and state agencies were unable to share information. As a result, victims did not receive direct financial assistance for clothing, home repairs and other needs.
While the federal and state governments are trying to work out their ability to deliver disaster aid, shouldn’t you take control of your own emergency preparedness and make sure that your own plans are solid? You may be one of the few in your community that can help your family and other residents get by in a crisis.
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