"Disputes, competition and the lack of coordination among local, state, and federal governmental agencies and between those agencies and privately controlled media can add confusion" (Research on Disaster Response and Recovery). This quote couldn't be more true of the way the government functions and its efficiency in coordinating together how to prepare for disaster so that we can be ready when it hits. Each one of these entities contradicts the other when it comes to announcing evacuation plans that no one knows what to follow? Businesses further confuse their employees when the refuse to release them due to emergency situations. I think its terrible that employers would make people put their life on the line to keep their job.
In some ways I think the news has lost a lot of credibility with its readers. People are now choosing the information they hear over social media sites, from their friends or family, or weigh their decisions based on past experiences rather than what they hear from the media.
It's also interesting that victims are first assisted by the people around them until emergency personnel is able to get to the area effected. The media has made people think lawless, violent behavior is prominent when disaster strikes. When really, people tend to be more sympathetic and helpful in promoting the safety of others and the rebuilding of their community.
Envision Music Festival March 1-4, 2012 Costa Rica A little piece of heaven on earth...
I'm not sure if it's laziness or stupidity that, but you're right, there is too much confusion and contradiction between agencies following crises. It comes down to a lack of preparation and acknowledgement of potential problems that could be faced following any kind of disaster. I know no one can predict the future to an absolute certainty, but it is not too difficult (with a little bit of effort and knowledge) to see possible effects of a disaster and develop logical solutions for them. We just need more educated people in positions to make this happen. Hopefully, we'll see this happening more because disasters are not stopping any time soon.
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