The brains of this country do know how to deal with the disasters. What in the Wide, Wide, World of Sports does that have to do with how the government or city folks deal with it?
The common theme is follow the 1950s government publications about preparing for trouble (of any kind), and figure on 3 days minimum response if you aren't hanging naked from a tree in the middle of a raging river.
Back in the day, Civil Defense did a good job of teaching and prepping. Then we became sophisticated, and didn't need it any more.
/johnny
The three days thing is a bit dated - here in Seattle they push for 7 days due to the high risk of a devastating earthquake. I told the head emergency guy in our local fire department that was good - but 3-4 weeks is more like it for us suburbs. All of the energy will be focused on Seattle (basically landlocked as you can only get in/out over bridges which will be destroyed).
Even getting to the suburbs will be tough, but Seattle will be the focus.
He gave me an understanding nod, and said “Well, some folks think we are overdoing it with 7 days - and they would just not do anything if it was more”.
Perhaps as soon as there is a disaster, the governor waives all red tape - ALL.
Get a think tank to come up with ideas.