They have all the necessary supplies to weather the storm:
We've got:
Water, Batteries, Radio, Wireless Laptop, Catfood, Vodka, and Pinot Grigio. All the necessities of life, both human and feline!
Houston deserves this storm. During Katrina, we opened our doors and accepted people of all socioeconomic backgrounds with open arms. Some of them turned out to be unwanted houseguests of which we can't weem to rid ourselves. During Gustav, the people of Houston lost their manners, and apparently their respect for human compassion. Many ugly articles, blog entries, and television interviews portrayed peoples opinions as inhospitable. Many spread the untrue rumor that Texas was closing the border at Louisiana. It was highly publicized that the Astrodome would not be used as a shelter. This was true, but only because it made no sense to move people from one "at risk" area to another.
The kitties are terrified. Miss Ginger cannot seem to get them to relax and settle down:
Hopefully they will relax and sleep through the night!!!
Many in Houston are criticizing Tx-DOT (the Texas Department of Transportation) for not instituting contraflow, the concept that saved New Orleans from Gustav. During the last threat to Houston, Hurricane Rita, which ravaged Beaumont and Lake Charles, people panicked in the wake of Katrina and tried to flee the city with concern only for themselves. In many cases, families took several vehicles, pulling trailers and boats, trying to save material posessions as they left. This completely overwhelmed the freeway system, and people sat motionless for hours, running out of gas, without food and water, etc. It was ugly.
After that disaster, the state government developed a plan that is being used this time. While they are prepared to institute and enforce contrafow if necessary, they have created a plan that requires contraflow only as a last resort.
1. Mandatory evacuations are called for on a zip code by zip code basis, based on the risk of danger from storm surge. This affects only coastal areas.
2. Citizens who are not in the mandatory zones are encouraged to shelter in place, as the risk to their lives and property is minimal, and evacuation may be more dangerous than staying at home.
3. People are asked to take only one vehicle and leave recreational "toys" at home. They are insured and can be replaced.
4. Contraflow is not currently instituted, because there are only two "bottlenecks" which are short and expected. The rest of the system is flowing smoothly, and the ability to move supplies, fuel, water, and provisions into the community at this point are more important than the need to get mass numbers of people out. When that changes, contraflow will be instituted.
The winds and rain will start tomorrow. We'll keep you posted!
3 comments:
Aww, I can see that the poor pusses are trembling in their boots! ;) They're so cute!
I cracked up over your supplies. Looks like you've got everything covered!
What a shame that people can get so ugly in the face of disaster. I would hope that people will come together when they need to.
I'll look forward to updates!
Beth
No munchies? The contraflow plan should be used, it only makes good sense. Please take care, looking forward to reports from you. Dannelle
So, who is the cat food for :o)
Looks like you only have a 72 hour supply <LOL>
Post a Comment