The first instinct in any crisis of this size (I imagine, since I have never been in one) is to look for "the authorities" to define the rules. However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that, in New Orleans at least, you'd be far better off asking forgiveness than permission. There are times when it's better to strike out on your own than to wait for the random hand of some mediocre official.
Glad you made it out intact.
I have never been in one) is to look for "the authorities" to define the rules.
I have been in a major large-scale crisis and I can tell you what I observed first hand. The 'authorities', namely the police, are excellent at following procedure and orders but a true crisis often can best be addressed with people who are adept at thinking on their feet and making pragmatic, instant decisions. The police are pathetic in this regard because their overall effectiveness lies in 'teamwork' and 'orders from above'. When the team is limited and the 'above' is not available to communicate with they are essentially worthless. In addition, they are trained to be 'uninvolved and aloof' and consequently they are also cold when they tell people something such as 'help is coming'. It was EXACTLY this combination of circumstances that caused officers to advise a young girl to remain in her home 'waiting for help' when the entire neighborhood around her was in flames. Help never came and she lost her life.