My (granted somewhat limited) knowledge of emergency command and control centers for emergencies is that they are usually equipped with emergency power as well as access to media coverage (i.e., TVs). If a TV screen somewhere in the room has a picture of people on an overpass, that could be easily recognized. Not to mention the fact that there was at least one policeman aimlessly wandering on the bridge who could have alerted his superiors. If the command and control centers weren't properly equipped and staffed, I'd lay that at the feet of the governor and mayor, not the media, and I offer the same opinion for the lack of emergency planning before the hurricane.
I seriously hope that you are never in need of those emergency planners and rescuers, and that you never have to experience what you are taking so lightly now.