[KYHAM] National Disaster Response Plan Needed?

[Ron Dodson]

>Federal response
>Sept. 25: In a post-hurricane briefing, military officials tell
President Bush that a >national disaster response plan is needed.


I can't describe the feeling I get seeing this stuff!  Sometimes you
feel like you have been living in another dimension or on another
planet.  We have tons of plans. Federal, State, Local and agency level. 

Do they need improvement? 

OH YEAH! Absolutely! Without looking, I'll bet they all need a tweak
somewhere.

Do we need yet another plan?  

NO, we just need people to finally get serious about fixing the plans we
have by first actually learning what is IN those existing plans. How
many have actually looked at their plans???  

Are our plans up to date? Do they reflect reality instead of a fictional
scenario? 

NIMS, much as many dislike it, CAN WORK, if the responders will just
start using and improving the playbook that is already in front of them.
It is not perfect.  It has flaws, but I have a feeling in the end we may
see another game of "Pass the Blame" and throwing the baby out with the
bath water. 

People still refuse to get serious about studying their plans and using
what they have, all the while making it better. Re-invention of the
wheel wastes time and money. If they want to do something at federal
level, they need to get Homeland Security out of FEMA's way and get FEMA
back on track of preparing for ALL HAZARDS response and recovery instead
of just for the guy with the gun and the bomb. My 2 cents worth! Soapbox
Mode OFF!

As amateurs, let's make sure OUR plans are based on real world and not
on science fiction.
If it needs fixed, let's fix it and not write a new plan.

73, 
Ron, KA4MAP
SEC Ky