EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

GLORIA DITTUS, Dittus Communications President, September 12, 2005
CZIKOWSKY: It seems to me obvious that as soon as it is safe to fly, you fly helicopters and aircraft over a devastated area and take inventory of what has happened. When you see stranded people, you rescue them or if that is not immediately possible you drop food and water to them. Why did it take so long for this to occur (after Hurricane Katrina)? Is it true that volunteers with helicopters and food were initially told they were not needed?
DITTUS: We have all heard reports of relief offers being turned away and people being left to fend for themselves. It’s hard for me to believe that any American---let alone any elected official or government employee—would really want this to happen. So I must assume that the red tape and restrictions that so often accompany government actions caused unnecessary problems for relief workers and the victims of the tragedy. There will be plenty of blame to go around, let’s just all hope that we have good leaders and strong communities who can help the region move forward.

BARRY SCANLON, James Lee Witt Associates Senior Vice Presidennt, October 5, 2005
CZIKOWSKY: I found a recent magazine article on emergencies enlightening because, while dirty bombs and earthquakes and hurricanes are tragic and threatening, the media has brought us to fear that many will die and there was little one could do about it. It makes me realize that while thousands who are unprepared or in the wrong place at the wrong time could die, it is possible to be prepared and act wisely. Yet, the one scenario that could lead to mass death would be a nuclear plant meltdown. Living in Harrisburg, we have already been through those fears. What are the best preparations for a nuclear disaster?
SCANLON: You are right---there is a lot of risk we face. Some of the best protections for a nuclear disaster are for any type of disaster---enough food and water for three days. In your case---you should also designate a safe room in your house. Go to the FEMA website (www.fema.gov). There is a great video about sheltering in place---which is one of the most important actions you can take if there is a threat of any type of emergency---chemical, nuclear, or natural disaster. This video and information whill tell you about how you can designate a “safe room” in your house---an interior windowless room. It will also detail the necessary supplies you will need.
One more thing---Be ready. Make a plan!

SPENCER HSU, Washington Post Staff Writer, February 14, 2006
CZIKOWSKY: Isn’t this a sign that the government bureaucracy has become too top heavy in its management style? Shouldn’t there be some preliminary agreements that decisions such as: respond to an emergency by spending in (whatever is needed: helicopters, supplies, food, etc.) may proceed without prior approval from higher-ups in management? Would you agree we need to reevaluate how to incorporate greater flexibility in responses during emergencies?
HSU: There seem like reasonable questions and seem to be the direction FEMA and DHS are moving in.

SALLY QUINN, Washington Post Staff Writer, March 13, 2006
CZIKOWSKY: Do there appear to be well planned evacuation plans should an accident ever occur, or is the plan to hope there never is an accident and, if there is, a lucky few will survive an otherwise mass confusion?
QUINN: As far as I can tell there are no real evacuation plans for any kind of terrorist attack that have been practiced with any consistency. Look at New Orleans and you have your answer. It’s every man and woman for him or her selves.

SAM POLLARD, producer, August 22, 2006
CZIKOWSKY: It is my understanding that there still is much work to do both to improve the levees and that New Orleans remains vulnerable to a similar disaster should another hurricane hit. Is this correct? How much improvements have been made and what remains to be done, and finally, why hasn’t what needs to be done gotten done?
POLLARD: Yes, I think when you watch parts three and four (of “When the Levees Broke”) tonight you’ll come away understanding is that even in eight months’ time the rebuilding of the levees is probably still not done to a level that could protect the city of New Orleans. What you’ll be amazed by, which will be explained in Act IV tonight, how a country with less resources than the U.S. can create a levee system that works.

JED HORNE, New Orleans Times-Picayune Metro Editor, August 29, 2006
CZIKOWSKY: Is it true that a doctor who had operated on a family member of Al Gore’s called for assistance and that Al Gore arranged for a helicopter to assist the doctor at his hospital? Should we find some irony that Gore could get a helicopter to New Orleans while Bush dawdled?
HORNE: I haven’t heard that story, but it’s an intriguing one. There are ironies aplenty at every turn. How about the doctor who was administering CPR on a dying patient at the New Orleans airport when he was pulled away because he didn’t have FEMA certification?

PAT PHILBIN,.Federal Emergency Management Agency External Affairs Director, October 24, 2007
CZIKOWSKY: When I hear comments on television that these (California mountain) fires could reach the ocean, is this hyperbole or is it possible that the fires could extend that far?
PHILBIN: Although this question is more appropriately answered by the National Weather Service, it is my understanding based on media reports this is a possibility.