09/29/2024
HURRICANE AFTERMATH
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This is a long post; please take the time to read and consider.
I'd viewed a YouTube video Saturday that drove home a few points regarding the aftermath of a hurricane or other natural disaster. One was of not just rushing in with what is believed to be needed by those affected by such a crisis. Ofttimes in our desire to help we just grab castoff clothing, bottled water, canned food, etc. and charge headlong into the fray with the feeling that we're doing good. Sometimes this works, sometimes not. In habitually-damaged locales such as the American South, Southwest, and Gulf Coast, the local residents and officials have a bit of experience dealing with the aftereffects of major storms, and have contingency plans in place for feeding, shelter, etc. And those who may not, have the best idea of what is needed in a particular situation.
For example, in the subject community of the aforementioned video, Newport, Tennessee, the video presenter, being local, had contacted those in the area to learn what was needed. He found that local producers and supermarket chains had already mobilized cargoes of bottled water to affected residents. He also learned that the most-desired and needed commodities were cleaning and bathing/hygiene items and tools. So here is the lesson that we must ask what is needed, in order to do the most good for the most people.
Another point made was that even with official plans in place, conditions may be utterly overwhelming. This may be from the sheer devastation, the influx of goods and well-meaning help, breakdown of organization, or any combination of these. Again, local residents and concerns may be better-equipped (certainly better-knowing) to assist at the outset, than State- or even Federal agencies. Also, prudence is key.
The last point made was of a disconcerting nature, that of injecting partisan politics into a disaster situation. (It is for this reason that I've not linked said video, here.) When someone has just had his/her home flooded or destroyed, they're not thinking about who is in office and what that person(s) could/should have done. They're concentrating on survival. There is no time for The Blame Game during such a crisis, after, or ever. This suggests self-reliance and disaster preparation, which we all should practice to the best of our abilities. I implore all reading this to assess what may be needed in your particular situation, should a disaster occur, be it natural or manmade. Search for Emergency Preparedness solutions online, create a plan, fine-tune it, and practice. Your survival may well depend upon it.
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Thank you for reading.
