Ike's Indiana Aftermath, conclusion

Here is my conclusion. Why I place the blame squarely on our EMA and a few other "beauties", that I observed in action over a two week period.
First and foremost, six months ago, after a flood in two towns in Crawford County, our United Way asked the EMA, if they could tell us where shelters were located in this county. We wanted to place the information in a brochure for our citizens. At that time, we were told that this information was on a "need to know basis" and we should let them handle it. Essentially, they did not need our help, thank you.
Second, Crawford County does not have an "official" emergency plan that has been approved on a State level. We have had at least, 5 weather related emergencies in this county, in the past three years.
Third. The Red Cross is stretched far to thin in this area of Southern Indiana. Our chapter is located a couple of counties away. They did not utilize some certified volunteers that live in our county. In addition, the director stood in the one EMA meeting, stating that "they" served 900 meals (in two days). In fact, the Wesleyan Church served the meals with their volunteers, their generators, propane and mostly their own resources. The Red Cross sent this church enough supplies for one day of feeding people. The Salvation Army, delivered supplies for another two days (and also sent food to the pantries). The balance of over 2,800 meals was on the church. The Red Cross Station in Leavenworth did an excellent job...but nowhere near as many meals went out of there, as they did in Marengo or Patoka Elementary. Ten days after the event, the library called me. The Red Cross of Harrison County had called, they had heard that we were going to distribute food to working poor families. They wanted to know, if we could include Harrison county families. Sadly we could not. Not enough resources.
Fourth, our local radio station was off the air for the entire power outage. Seems that they do not have a generator. This is the only way to get information out to all of the public. Unless, of course, they add all citizens of Crawford County, to the automated phone system. And that only works, if we have phone service. EMA, needs to focus on VITAL equipment and place less emphasis on a couple of 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Fifth. Many last minute volunteers were told, they WOULD be working 12 hour days. I am not sure that the "powers that be" understand the definition of volunteer.
Sixth, there is NO volunteer "net" underneath the EMA of Crawford County. Our director has only a handful of volunteers that work with him. Not one of these people have contacted other organizations in this county for advance preparation in case of emergency.
I am saving the best for last... read my next post!