Hurricane Sandy Emergency Preparedness Relief

¶ … disaster? The most important way to prepare for disasters like these is by stockpiling resources and developing adequate resource funding and distribution channels. As Bucci, et al. (2012) point out, the states of New Jersey and New York were fully dependent on FEMA and other federal funds; those two states had absolutely no contingency plans and no state-level disaster relief funds. Moreover, by the time Sandy hit, FEMA resources had been overstretched. FEMA resources should not be used for relatively minor events (Bucci, et al., 2012).

Instead, FEMA resources should be managed more efficiently so that when major disasters like these occur, resources are available. Individuals can prepare for a disaster in a similar way. Stockpiling resources requires setting aside as much space as possible for essential items for survival like canned food and water, as well as extra jerry cans of gas for vehicles. Families who can afford it should set aside personal disaster relief funds instead of relying on insurers, who are often unable or unwilling to make good on the claims.

Disasters often lead to problems that were unanticipated by homeowners and which have loophole status from the perspective of insurance adjustors. Some residents might want to have contingency plans for evacuation, such as by choosing a friend or relative to stay with and going there instead of a shelter (CDC, 2013). Therefore, residents living in vulnerable areas should think hard about how they are going to best manage their resources to prepare for a disaster. Another key element of preparation is working with the community.

Evacuation routes and plans are generally announced, but there is more to disaster preparation than knowing where to go during the emergency and what route to take to get there. Residents need to work with their neighbors and community organizations, forming coalitions of people they can trust. By doing this, residents can work together in an organized fashion. By anticipating worst-case scenarios, residents can better plan and prepare. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities in community organizations is also critical (Bucci, et al., 2012). 2.

How the storm was handled by public officials? The storm was handled reasonably well by public officials, although Governor Christie of New Jersey was furious when he found out that FEMA was not providing the funds needed for recovery and restoration in as ample and timely a fashion as he and the state had expected (Bucci, et al., 2012). As Gurian (2014) points out, Christie was also realistic about how long the recovery effort would take and did not make false promises.

Christie also rapidly mobilized a housing recovery fund that has allowed the residents of the state to rebuild. According to Buccu, et al. (2012), the National Guard and the Coast Guard handled Sandy well, whereas FEMA handled it poorly. The evidence suggests that federal officials generally handled the storm well, but that state officials did a better job during the recovery process. Had FEMA been able to manage its funding better prior to the storm, more resources might have been readily available to Governor Christie.

It is up to local, state, and federal leaders to support citizens in need after disasters. However, preparation and planning is a joint responsibility. Local officials need to be more attentive to the needs.