Katrina anniversary important reminder for preparedness

Nine years ago, New Orleans was going through the nightmare created by Hurricane Katrina, people stranded on roofs and in attics, patients dying in hospitals and rest homes.

Despite the backhanded "good job, Brownie" compliment President George W. Bush gave his soon-to-depart FEMA director Michael D. Brown, the administration received heavy criticism for its response to the disaster.

The critics overlooked the fact Mayor Ray Nagin ignored federal and state offers of help and a recommendation to evacuate the city, promising to somehow "take care of" people who chose not to leave, many of them winding up in horrible conditions of the Superdome. We remember photos of rows of idle school buses which could have been used to evacuate the citizens.

For his part, Nagin is ready to begin serving 10 years in prison on corruption charges for accepting bribes and kickbacks from city contractors before and after Katrina, as well as other charges.

Politics and other issues aside, the lesson from Katrina is that local communities must be prepared to take care of themselves before asking for state and federal help. It's faster, for one thing, and local people know exactly what's needed when and where, if they've made proper preparation.

That's why Gov. Dave Heineman has declared September Nebraska Preparedness Month in concert with National Preparedness Month.

Even more important than community preparedness, however, is the readiness of each household to take care of its residents.

"A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency," Heineman said in a news release. "Local officials and relief workers may not be able to help everyone immediately after a disaster, so it is recommended that you have your own food, water and supplies.

"Nebraska Preparedness Month is a good time to communicate emergency plans with family and friends, and to build a kit or update the one you already have."

And, we don't know what form the next emergency will take. Tornadoes, floods and fires can strike without notice. Blizzards, hazardous materials releases -- the possibilities are endless.

For a start, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency offers a list of items emergency kits should include:

Emergency kits should include items such as:

* battery-powered or crank radio

* weather alert radio

* extra batteries

* first aid kit

* sanitary wipes

* dust mask

* water for drinking and sanitation

* water purification tablets

* waterproof matches and/or butane lighter

* crank flashlight

* plastic sheeting

* non-perishable food for at least three days

* disinfectants and medications.

* medical information for entire family, including details about dosages of required medications and a list of known health issues.

For more information, visit the following sites:

www.ready.gov

www.nema.nebraska.gov

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