Firefighter Charles’s statement about FEMA‘s response times shows a lack of understanding of how the process works. In the event of another Hurricane Katrina type natural disaster, the following things have to happen, in the following order:
1. Disaster strikes
2. Local officials setup an incident command
3. Local Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) are activated. The local emergency operations plan (EOP) is put into action.
4. Mutual aid agreements are activated. If the disaster goes beyond this, then…
5. State EOCs are activated. State EOPs are put into action.
6. The state activates it’s mutual aid agreements.
7. If the situation is not contained, the Governor declares a State Emergency. He can then…..
8. Appeal to the President to declare the event a federal disaster – whether it is a Stafford Act event or not.
9. FEMA is then activated and ordered to head the rescue/relief efforts. The FBI is the lead investigative agency for any criminal acts, while the BATFE is the lead law enforcement agency for anything law enforcement related such as security, etc.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) always puts the onus for response on local governments. FEMA is a last resort and responses to disasters must always be handled at the local level if at all possible.
Therefore FEMA’s “response time” is irrelevant. FEMA will most likely be kept abreast of any situation through the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), but cannot act unless the locals, Governor, and President have done their parts. FEMA does not just swoop in and take control as this is totally against NIMS and the National Response Framework (NRF).
All of this certainly doesn’t change the author’s 72 hour assertion. I dislike FEMA as much as anyone else, but FEMA shouldn’t take the blame for bureaucratic foot dragging that’s quite out of it’s control. – Adam in California
Jim:
I’ve noticed many SurvivalBlog articles, including Firefighter Charles’, advocate the use of the Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin or Bail Out Bag. At this point, I wouldn’t store even just a plastic spoon in my car. It is so easy for thieves to break into a regular car. In the present day car break-ins are opportunistic in nature. In a society break-down situation, people who are desperate might not stop at anything to fill their needs.
In the past seven years, my Suburban has been burglarized five times. The first time was when we were moving to this city and had just pulled into a hotel. We went to check out the room and in less than 10 minutes had lost coins and a gun that we felt were “hidden.” Others parked beside us lost electronics. At least our window wasn’t broken. Then we had a couple of break-ins while at work in full daylight with crowds present. Nothing taken as nothing was available. Last, two break-ins in our driveway, probably kids. However, the last thing stolen was the car’s Owner Manual, for goodness sake!
Now we have a loud car alarm which is always left set when parked. My city is one of the largest in the country and we don’t leave any kind of box or crate or bag in a car, even in cars with tinted windows.
One idea: Buy those flat under-the-bed plastic sweater containers. Take out the carpet in the back, place a couple of loaded containers, cover with thin plywood, replace the carpet. This might deter casual thieves pressing their noses against the glass. Clearly, someone who is determined will find anything hidden in a car or a house. – Elizabeth S.
JWR Replies: It is time for you to move to a lightly-populated, low crime area! All those break-ins should have been hints.