[hedgetrimmer]

It isn't up to FEMA but for citizens everywhere in this country to re-institute civil defense in their cities, towns and neighborhoods. Once that is done,you will see better preparedness for disasters and greater safety for citizens. You might even see plans to protect citizens' lives if terrorist strike again. Right now the plans only include shelter for the governmental elites. In the 1960s all major cities had shelters and plans and trained volunteers to run Civil defense programs. The American people need to reinstitute civil defense, train volunteers and start to assume responsibility for their own safety and not rely on the federal government.

[Marysecretary]

You're absolutely right. I remember that well. People need to check on those who are housebound, ill, infirm, crippled, mentally unstable, etc. and know where to take them in emergencies like this. We used to be so much more self-reliant then, too.