"Katrina? Rita? FEMA response? City government response? State government response? I'd hate to see it if we hadn't been so "well-organized"."
That's exactly the point that some of us are trying to get across. Do no rely on anyone but yourself! The government is not going to be there to bail you out, and even if they get there a few days later, never assume that they will. Use American individual know-how and prep. Always be prepared for at least a week on your own. It requires little else but to think ahead, then act. What will I need? What will my family need? How much stuff is in the larder at any given time? (Most people have about a week's worth of food, but are short on water), What can I do now just in case?
Proverbs 6:6 -- Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, 8 Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. 9 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest"-- 11 Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man.