btdt, I think you make a good point. I've tried to respond to your post three times, and the internet keeps wigging out on me, so I'm going to hurry up and click post before it goes again. Let's get away from the blame the victim scenario. Moogie, you're to be commended for being so well prepared. I was well prepared this time, too. But a big part of that is because I had gone through the same routine last year and had the motions down pat. There is so much frenetic activity involved in getting ready for a storm, and tensions and emotions run high. It's easy to make a mistake. Jim, no one wants your sympathy. But a little compassion for people who have suffered isn't out of line. There really isn't anywhere in the world that isn't disaster-free. So next time you see someone in a bad situation, don't judge them. Remember, "There but for the grace of God..." The people who suffered most from this storm are elderly or handicapped. It wasn't so easy for them. I'm glad I was able to share, and I'll never put someone else down for being less fortunate than I am.

I don't think anyone is saying that emergency services are not needed. What they are saying is people need to be more dependent upon themselves. I also do not see a whole lot of maybes being said either, I have seen some excellent input for Disaster Preparedness, which begins in the home. The better we are prepared, the more we are willing to do for ourselves, the less we are dependent on Momma Government coming in and taking care of us. When disaster strikes we should work as a community, we shouldn't sit and be content with the idea that The Lone President and his sidekick Veepo will ride in on their shiney white horses to save the day. This is real life, not some Saturday Afternoon horse opera.

well said. Starts at home. I've never had the "cavalry" show up at my house. I had to take care of mine and myself. Granted it was hard, but I didn't suffer. e.g. Hugo, Charlotte, 4 weeks no electricity in 98 degree weather in September, gas stations did not work, food, stores...I had enough to share.

Life isn't always easy but what else can one do at times besides keep plugging along. Ranting and Raving might relieve frustrations, but it won't get the power turned back on or the temperature and humidity to drop.

Certainly there will always be people who need assistance, and that's why it's important for the rest of us to prepare so the emergency response can go to the people who truly need it. Wouldn't you rather that bag of ice go to a diabetic who needs it to keep his life-saving insulin at the proper temerature? If you are so worried about the items in your freezer, get a generator.