[Rhodes22-list] Minnesota Disaster

[Rik Sandberg]

Brad & Anne,

Unless I am mistaken, isn't FEMA under the management of the Dept. of 
Homeland Security?

Have a natural disaster of any size and FEMA is probably going to show up

Michael Chertoff, as the head of Homeland Security would, by default, 
also be the head of FEMA. Since there haven't been any terrorist 
disasters lately, he's driving around looking at natural ones. I'd like 
to think it's because he *really cares* about us up here in Minnesota, 
but deep down I have a suspicion he's just trying to make political 
points for somebody.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong in my thinking here.

Rik

Brad Haslett wrote:
> Anne,
>
> One of the lessons learned from NOLA and Katrina (and to a lesser degree,
> Andrew) is that local officials and resources can get quickly overwhelmed.
> You will probably see Homeland Security show at a lot of places you wouldn't
> think they would be needed in the future.  One of their tasks is to respond
> to "the big one", ie, a terrorist attack using a WMD.  NOLA flooding was
> predictable and so is the New Madrid fault line shaking (Memphis crumbles
> into the Mississippi). Both cities have local governments that barely
> function on good days, much less during a disaster. I suspect the situation
> in  Minnesota is different.  Most local governments there get to practice a
> hurricane or earthquake type event every winter, otherwise known as a major
> snowstorm, and handle them without Federal aid.  Homeland Security showing
> up for this event maybe overkill but expect to see more, not less of them in
> the future.
>
> Brad
>
> On 8/27/07, Anne M <anima13 at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>   
>> I spoke with my sister yesterday. We are from Faribault. This is right
>> next to Steele County. She said they are OK but worse right out from
>> there. Why would Homeland Security Secretary be there? Odd use of
>> him.
>> Anne
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Steven Alm" <stevenalm at gmail.com>
>> To: "Rhodes" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 3:36 PM
>> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Minnesota Disaster
>>
>>
>>     
>>> Hey Anne,
>>>
>>> Your home town, Fairmont (?) is OK and so is mine, Mankato, but those
>>>       
>> just
>>     
>>> a
>>> few miles to the southeast are in big trouble. Homeland Security
>>> Secretary,
>>> Michael Chertoff was here yesterday to survey the damage. Fillmore,
>>> Houston
>>> and Winona counties have been declared federal disaster areas and we're
>>> waiting to hear if Olmstead, Steele and Wabasha counties will get on the
>>> list as well.  Those people are wiped out.  Eight killed.   Nobody has
>>> flood
>>> insurance because it's so rare to get flooded out in that area.  Send
>>> thoughts and prayers for your fellow Minnesotans.
>>>
>>> Slim
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