FEMA Frozen Again

                                                                                         

FEMA was deeply criticized for its poor response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Here it is, nearly four years later and FEMA has done it again. The winter storms that ravaged Kentucky and surrounding states are among the worse in recent history and residents are wondering, “Where’s FEMA?”

With over one million without power and over 55 storm-related deaths, the situation is urgent. Shelters are overflowing and people are cold. For example, in Crittenden County, residents have been urged to pack a suitcase and find a motel because “we can’t serve everybody in our shelter.”

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear indicated that across Kentucky 172 shelters were serving about 6400 people.

While President Obama declared a state of emergency within a day or two of the ice storm, help has been slow to arrive. The storm started on a Tuesday, but FEMA workers hadn’t begun working until Friday. The following Monday, nearly a week after the storm struck, power remains out across the land. For example in Grayson County, over the weekend the entire county was powerless. As of Monday afternoon, only 30 percent of households had their power restored.

The emergency management director of Grayson County, Kentucky is reported to have said, “The response in the first four days was very unsatisfactory.”

“We haven’t seen FEMA” is a common theme in news stories covering the storm. Another common theme is how the FEMA Kentucky ice storm response compares to the FEMA Hurricane Katrina response. President Obama issued a disaster declaration two days after the storm struck with trucks mobilizing in Kentucky the following day.

While many are praising FEMA’s “fast” response, residents are still shivering waiting for help. According to CBS News, a week after the storm, over 300,000 residents still lack power with some areas still waiting for the arrival of aid workers. In addition to a lack of power across the region, nearly 200,000 of Kentucky residents are without water or are under a “boil water” advisory.

FEMA is receiving mixed reviews from officials and news agencies. But how does FEMA view the response? According to FEMA Press Release #3302-003 (Strong Partnerships Speed FEMA Response to Kentucky’s Winter Storm) released on February 1st:

“After last week's severe winter storm knocked out power, radio and phone service in many areas of Kentucky, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) went into action providing direct response and relief, and coordinating efforts of federal partner agencies to help where Kentucky needs it.”

And:

“FEMA will continue working hard to meet the emergency needs of the people of Kentucky”

FEMA’s January 31st Press Release 3302-002 (Kentucky, FEMA Work Together to Meet Storm Emergency Needs) FEMA quotes General John W. Heltzel, Director of Kentucky’s Division of Emergency Management as saying:

“This is an amazing effort and we have worked long hours to move supplies and equipment. Our working partnership with FEMA ensures we are getting excellent help under difficult circumstances for Kentuckians suffering from the winter storm.”

While FEMA pats itself on the back, conditions remain brutal for residents in the area: freezing temperatures, no power, and no water. Icy roads, downed power lines, and fallen trees make venturing outdoors for supplies dangerous. Clearly, aid needs to arrive soon or the situation will rapidly deteriorate.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

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