FEMA and Katrina: A love/hate story...

I had the opportunity to meet two Washington State Firefighters today. FEMA called upon several hundred firefighters (approx 500) to help with the disaster. In the wake of some of the disorganization they had in NYC during 9/11, they required the 500 to attend a command structure class in Atlanta, similiar to what they take in their training for their home department.

Frustated and feeling like they wasted 2 days to help, they have been sent not to New Orleans, but to areas that have shelters. Why? Well, according to the FEMA representative that spoke to their group, FEMA has been taking a beating in the press and in the public eye. Are they needed at the shelters? No. Most came prepared with sleeping bags and were ready to eat MRE's and work in the devasted areas. Now they are staying in hotels that cost up to $250 a night of FEMA's money.

"It's like we are on vacation" said one," and I was ready to work, to help". They also said that the FEMA debit cards the press have been speaking of that were to go to the evacuees have not been handed out. Something about the security of handling the cards, as 250 of them would be a HALF MILLION.

These two are spending the night in Austin, then off to Richmond, Tx to a shelter there to see if they need their help. I wish these two the best of luck, as they reallty want to work and contribute their skills.We estimated the cost of these 500 firefighters per diem and hotels at being over $150,000 a day.

I would have to say FEMA needs to get their act together. The firefighters want to work. Let's get them to where they are needed and stop wasting their time and our tax dollars.Call your representatives and let them know what you think...