Return to Article: Panelists press Congress to rewrite law governing federal disaster response
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50523
My experience with disaster response is that federal state and local government can work well together, be effective and compliment each other's efforts if you have two things: 1- a willingness to work together, and 2- the legislative "infrastructure" (i.e., authority) in place that allows use of resources at all levels. The willingness to work together goes to long term relationships between emergency managers at all levels, and elected officials that are willing to put their political differences aside when people need help. This has to be nurtured over time and constantly refreshed so that it is in place when disaster strikes, and no laws or regulations can help with this. The second part does go to the laws that spell out the circumstances and rules for federal participation in disasters, which is the subject of this article. The Stafford Act was appropriate for its time but it is now out of date. I agree fully that it is time to overhaul the law and make things a bit more flexible for people on the ground to be able to react when disaster strikes. Relying on States to take the lead on Katrina level events is not realistic - you need the full resources of the US Government or as we saw people will die.
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50487
Act amendments should provide for adequate reimbursement mechanisms and/or provisions for all hospitals. This includes the "for-profit" hospitals and healthcare systems who shelter and provide care for surging disaster victims and their families. Healthcare facilities that lose money in the disaster response effort are not as likely to be as forthcoming or responsive in the future.
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50301
Fema also needs to be authorized to have its own armed security officers, rather than rely on the joke of FPS. These officers could then follow wherever needed to protect FEMA personal and the Utility Crews struggling to restore the infrastructure vital links. Also Ham Radio operators should be encouraged to have their gear with them, for backup communications. Regardless of what major communications sales guys say about interoperability, with the multi-billion price tag. It failed and Ham's stepped in with personal radio gear, restoring basic emergency communications for aid and assistance!
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50293
Just giving money isn't the answer as New Orleans is the prime example. In those cases the Fed's need to take over the government and run it as long as its the taxpayers money. It eliminates the graft and corruption that follows
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