U.S. Issues "I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy" FEMA first responder - Page 3

ChiefsandO'sfan · 12-06-2012, 05:36 PM

Hurry up and wait.

That’s what first responders were left to do after being deployed by FEMA to assist in the storm-ravaged areas in the initial days after superstorm Sandy, FoxNews.com has learned. A FEMA worker who spoke to FoxNews.com described a chaotic scene at New Jersey's Fort Dix, where emergency workers arrived as the storm bore down on the Atlantic Coast. The worker said officials at the staging area were unprepared and told the incoming responders there was nothing for them to do for nearly four days.

“They told us to hurry, hurry, hurry," the worker, who works at the agency's headquarters in Washington and volunteered to deploy for the storm recovery effort. "We rushed to Fort Dix, only to find out that our liaison didn’t even know we were coming.”

“The regional coordinator even said to us, ‘I don’t know why you were rushed here because we don’t need you,'” said the worker, who spoke out of frustration with the lack of planning and coordination following the devastating storm.

'I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy.'

- Anonymous FEMA first responder

After arriving in New Jersey, the worker and others waited for three full days and parts of another, even as reports dominated the television of the devastation and suffering wrought by the storm, which struck land on Oct. 29. When they asked for assignments, they couldn't believe the response, according to the worker.

“They told us to go to the Walmart nearby or to check out the area but told us to stay out of the areas affected by the storm,” the worker said. "If our boss back at headquarters had not been alerted and didn’t make a push to get us assignments, the people running the show on the ground level would have just kept us sitting in the barracks.”

In a Nov. 3 email obtained by FoxNews.com, an administrator back in Washington urged the regional team to get his people into the field after learning they were idled..

"My people are being told to go sightseeing," the e-mail reads. "They may have a mission in 2-4 days .... I am asking them to reach out to contacts there that may be able to use their expertise ... We will continue to seek these opportunities as otherwise these personnel resources will be wasted ... Please advise way ahead ..."

Told of the worker's complaints, a FEMA official acknowledged that there were delays in getting responders out into the field but said the time was mostly spent firming up training and accommodations.

“I’m not going to say we couldn’t have done better,” Michael Byrne, a FEMA federal coordinating officer, told FoxNews.com. “I can understand the emotional commitment. They want to jump right in and start with the effort. I feel the same way.

“The time was used to find the best place for them and for quick-training," he said. "There were logistical challenges but we have been fully engaged in the areas since then.”

But that didn't jibe with the account of the worker, who said the much-maligned agency seemed more organized during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“When there’s disaster, every second counts," the worker said. "That clock starts ticking once the storm makes landfall.

“I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy.”

Even after FEMA workers were finally sent out from Fort Dix, many did not have useful information to convey to victims, said the worker.

“They are put out in the field and they don’t know what to tell people," the worker said. "Survivors will fall through the cracks.”

Byrne, who noted there are still 800 FEMA workers in the field helping victims recover, said the responders he dealt with were generally well-prepared.

“If there were other people who weren’t able to help, I’d like to know who they are,” he said. "We can always do better, but they have done a great job on short notice."

The agency has come under fire from residents and elected leaders, including Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)—who represents some of the hardest hit areas in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. He recently told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that FEMA is not prepared to respond effectively to disasters, especially in urban areas.

"Hurricane Sandy should be a major wake-up call,” Nadler said. "When disaster strikes, our densely populated urban areas and economic centers must be able to recover quickly."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/06...#ixzz2EK1BUhZS

Radar Chief · 12-07-2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

That's piss poor justification.

Getting back what one gives? Not really, that's actually Karma.

durtyrute · 12-07-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaise

Bugeater's doesn't say that you shouldn't take it. It says you shouldn't count on it. It's like saying you shouldn't count on your brother for a ride when he's always late. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with getting the ride.

True indeed, I grabbed the first two I could find and it was a weak attempt, I fail! There are more out there, but I don't want to know bad enough to look, so.....

Fish · 12-07-2012, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

Yeah, right.

"Well you guys did it first!"

I don't see that as justification.

cosmo20002 · 12-07-2012, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Kotter

Wow. One "anonymous" responder...as reported on FOX.

Super cool story, bro. Tell it again....

Even worse. As reported on FoxNews.com.

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2012, 09:19 AM

I know several utility workers that went to NY to work on repairs from this storm.

Every one of them came back disappointed and upset.
They were upset for a variety of reasons, but inefficiency was a large contributor.

These men drove across the country to help, lived in tents, worked 16hr days. They said that the local Union utility guys quit at 5, they rarely had the equipment or materials they needed to complete their work. These guys were essentially treated like they were in the military, had curfews and supposedly weren't allowed to drink in off hours. They were very frustrated that they were on site ready to go at 5-6am, and the local workers didn't show up until normal hours.

The 2nd complaint was the local people. They said in some of the ethnic neighborhoods they anticipated trouble..and I'll say it...black ghettos....they found people very thankful and appreciative of their work. They said they were treated like absolute shit in the Jewish neighborhoods. I have no idea why, but instead of thanks, they got complaints and bitching about how long it took them.

**patteeu** · 12-07-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

"Well you guys did it first!"

I don't see that as justification.

That's not even a relevant criticism.

This isn't a case of people who criticize the Sandy response doing something wrong but saying "they did it first". This is a case of people criticizing the Sandy response as worse than Katrina but pointing out the lack of proportional response to the two situations by the media and the general public.

ghak99 · 12-11-2012, 10:37 AM

It's getting better...

They made a big deal about enforcing osha qualifications, which is a 12-14 hour class/test, only to have the class last 45 minutes where the instructor gave out the answers.

24 semi tires slashed in one night with union stickers stuck to the trucks.

If you keep a pistol in the truck the ammo has to be out of reach.

20 trucks w/ flag trucks just said **** it and are pulling out. The owner of the trucks has a fleet of 60 who traveled from Missouri to help. His words... "I'll never go back to New York or New Jersey again"... "I have a lot more respect for the people of New Orleans now"... "If Sandy was anything like Katrina there would be bodies in the streets from people just giving up"... "It's all about getting on the news".

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 12-11-2012, 11:03 AM

I actually talked to a couple from Colorado who went out there. They said the same things. They went out there and were gone within 72 hours because it was a huge cluster****, and NO ONE knew what they were doing. I remember thinking they were eccentric at the time, but maybe there was some truth to it.

**Iowanian** · 12-11-2012, 11:15 AM

I have friends and family who went to Joplin with tractors, loaders and labor and were jacked around too in all fairness.

They finally found an individual who wanted help.

They've been to New Orleans, Florida and Joplin and have returned frustrated every time.

No one likes working as a volunteer on your stuff while you sit on your ass and watch, or especially when you're complaining. From what I've been told, NY and NJ are by far the most demanding and unappreciative people to date.

jettio · 12-11-2012, 11:35 AM

Katrina and the FEMA response is not why the American people consider the B*sh administration to be a failure.

The biggest reason B*sh is considered a failure is because he sold the War in Iraq to the American people by claiming that Saddam had plans to attack the United States, when his genuine motivation was to enjoy an easy military victory and establish a model democracy in the region.

When it turned out that the reasons were proven false and the military victory was not as easy as B*sh expected and they could not make Iraq a model democracy, then the American people rightfully concluded that B*sh-Cheney-Rumsfeld were stupid, dishonest and incompetent.

Katrina was an event that gave some former B*sh supporters a reason to finally abandon the failed cause, but it was inevitable that the vast majority of Americans would conclude that B*sh was a likeable incompetent who trusted Cheney and Rumsfeld too much and the results speak for themselves.

Graystoke · 12-11-2012, 11:42 AM

FEMA came to my area in the floods of 2008. I told them to **** off and leave.

**patteeu** · 12-11-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jettio

Katrina and the FEMA response is not why the American people consider the B*sh administration to be a failure.

The biggest reason B*sh is considered a failure is because he sold the War in Iraq to the American people by claiming that Saddam had plans to attack the United States, when his genuine motivation was to enjoy an easy military victory and establish a model democracy in the region.

When it turned out that the reasons were proven false and the military victory was not as easy as B*sh expected and they could not make Iraq a model democracy, then the American people rightfully concluded that B*sh-Cheney-Rumsfeld were stupid, dishonest and incompetent.

Katrina was an event that gave some former B*sh supporters a reason to finally abandon the failed cause, but it was inevitable that the vast majority of Americans would conclude that B*sh was a likeable incompetent who trusted Cheney and Rumsfeld too much and the results speak for themselves.

The level of incompetence demonstrated by this analysis rivals anything related to the Sandy response.

cosmo20002 · 12-11-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

The level of incompetence demonstrated by this analysis rivals anything related to the Sandy response.

This analysis of the analysis rivals anything related to the Katrina response.

12-06-2012, 05:36 PM
ChiefsandO'sfan MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $1368503	"I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy" FEMA first responder Hurry up and wait. That’s what first responders were left to do after being deployed by FEMA to assist in the storm-ravaged areas in the initial days after superstorm Sandy, FoxNews.com has learned. A FEMA worker who spoke to FoxNews.com described a chaotic scene at New Jersey's Fort Dix, where emergency workers arrived as the storm bore down on the Atlantic Coast. The worker said officials at the staging area were unprepared and told the incoming responders there was nothing for them to do for nearly four days. “They told us to hurry, hurry, hurry," the worker, who works at the agency's headquarters in Washington and volunteered to deploy for the storm recovery effort. "We rushed to Fort Dix, only to find out that our liaison didn’t even know we were coming.” “The regional coordinator even said to us, ‘I don’t know why you were rushed here because we don’t need you,'” said the worker, who spoke out of frustration with the lack of planning and coordination following the devastating storm. 'I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy.' - Anonymous FEMA first responder After arriving in New Jersey, the worker and others waited for three full days and parts of another, even as reports dominated the television of the devastation and suffering wrought by the storm, which struck land on Oct. 29. When they asked for assignments, they couldn't believe the response, according to the worker. “They told us to go to the Walmart nearby or to check out the area but told us to stay out of the areas affected by the storm,” the worker said. "If our boss back at headquarters had not been alerted and didn’t make a push to get us assignments, the people running the show on the ground level would have just kept us sitting in the barracks.” In a Nov. 3 email obtained by FoxNews.com, an administrator back in Washington urged the regional team to get his people into the field after learning they were idled.. "My people are being told to go sightseeing," the e-mail reads. "They may have a mission in 2-4 days .... I am asking them to reach out to contacts there that may be able to use their expertise ... We will continue to seek these opportunities as otherwise these personnel resources will be wasted ... Please advise way ahead ..." Told of the worker's complaints, a FEMA official acknowledged that there were delays in getting responders out into the field but said the time was mostly spent firming up training and accommodations. “I’m not going to say we couldn’t have done better,” Michael Byrne, a FEMA federal coordinating officer, told FoxNews.com. “I can understand the emotional commitment. They want to jump right in and start with the effort. I feel the same way. “The time was used to find the best place for them and for quick-training," he said. "There were logistical challenges but we have been fully engaged in the areas since then.” But that didn't jibe with the account of the worker, who said the much-maligned agency seemed more organized during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. “When there’s disaster, every second counts," the worker said. "That clock starts ticking once the storm makes landfall. “I worked in Katrina and Katrina was run better than Sandy.” Even after FEMA workers were finally sent out from Fort Dix, many did not have useful information to convey to victims, said the worker. “They are put out in the field and they don’t know what to tell people," the worker said. "Survivors will fall through the cracks.” Byrne, who noted there are still 800 FEMA workers in the field helping victims recover, said the responders he dealt with were generally well-prepared. “If there were other people who weren’t able to help, I’d like to know who they are,” he said. "We can always do better, but they have done a great job on short notice." The agency has come under fire from residents and elected leaders, including Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)—who represents some of the hardest hit areas in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. He recently told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that FEMA is not prepared to respond effectively to disasters, especially in urban areas. "Hurricane Sandy should be a major wake-up call,” Nadler said. "When disaster strikes, our densely populated urban areas and economic centers must be able to recover quickly." Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/06...#ixzz2EK1BUhZS
Posts: 12,482

12-07-2012, 09:19 AM	#35
Iowanian Hey Jack! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Jolly Barnyard Casino cash: $417283	I know several utility workers that went to NY to work on repairs from this storm. Every one of them came back disappointed and upset. They were upset for a variety of reasons, but inefficiency was a large contributor. These men drove across the country to help, lived in tents, worked 16hr days. They said that the local Union utility guys quit at 5, they rarely had the equipment or materials they needed to complete their work. These guys were essentially treated like they were in the military, had curfews and supposedly weren't allowed to drink in off hours. They were very frustrated that they were on site ready to go at 5-6am, and the local workers didn't show up until normal hours. The 2nd complaint was the local people. They said in some of the ethnic neighborhoods they anticipated trouble..and I'll say it...black ghettos....they found people very thankful and appreciative of their work. They said they were treated like absolute shit in the Jewish neighborhoods. I have no idea why, but instead of thanks, they got complaints and bitching about how long it took them. __________________ "Silence is Golden. Duct Tape is silver"
Posts: 48,116

12-11-2012, 10:37 AM	#37
ghak99 Starter Join Date: Jan 2007 Casino cash: $18738	It's getting better... They made a big deal about enforcing osha qualifications, which is a 12-14 hour class/test, only to have the class last 45 minutes where the instructor gave out the answers. 24 semi tires slashed in one night with union stickers stuck to the trucks. If you keep a pistol in the truck the ammo has to be out of reach. 20 trucks w/ flag trucks just said **** it and are pulling out. The owner of the trucks has a fleet of 60 who traveled from Missouri to help. His words... "I'll never go back to New York or New Jersey again"... "I have a lot more respect for the people of New Orleans now"... "If Sandy was anything like Katrina there would be bodies in the streets from people just giving up"... "It's all about getting on the news".
Posts: 887

12-11-2012, 11:03 AM	#38
Mr. Flopnuts Banned Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Down the rabbit hole Casino cash: $113741253	I actually talked to a couple from Colorado who went out there. They said the same things. They went out there and were gone within 72 hours because it was a huge cluster****, and NO ONE knew what they were doing. I remember thinking they were eccentric at the time, but maybe there was some truth to it.
Posts: 41,524

12-11-2012, 11:15 AM	#39
Iowanian Hey Jack! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Jolly Barnyard Casino cash: $417283	I have friends and family who went to Joplin with tractors, loaders and labor and were jacked around too in all fairness. They finally found an individual who wanted help. They've been to New Orleans, Florida and Joplin and have returned frustrated every time. No one likes working as a volunteer on your stuff while you sit on your ass and watch, or especially when you're complaining. From what I've been told, NY and NJ are by far the most demanding and unappreciative people to date. __________________ "Silence is Golden. Duct Tape is silver"
Posts: 48,116

12-11-2012, 11:35 AM	#40
jettio MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $20408	Katrina and the FEMA response is not why the American people consider the Bsh administration to be a failure. The biggest reason Bsh is considered a failure is because he sold the War in Iraq to the American people by claiming that Saddam had plans to attack the United States, when his genuine motivation was to enjoy an easy military victory and establish a model democracy in the region. When it turned out that the reasons were proven false and the military victory was not as easy as Bsh expected and they could not make Iraq a model democracy, then the American people rightfully concluded that Bsh-Cheney-Rumsfeld were stupid, dishonest and incompetent. Katrina was an event that gave some former Bsh supporters a reason to finally abandon the failed cause, but it was inevitable that the vast majority of Americans would conclude that Bsh was a likeable incompetent who trusted Cheney and Rumsfeld too much and the results speak for themselves. __________________ Where Ignorance is Bliss, 'Tis Folly to be Wise. __
Posts: 6,573

12-11-2012, 11:42 AM	#41
Graystoke Veteran Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Driftless Region Casino cash: $959567	FEMA came to my area in the floods of 2008. I told them to **** off and leave. __________________
Posts: 1,170

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