Quote:
Originally Posted by bob saunders
Do you people really think you can plan for a Hurricane to the point where you can totally prevent death and disaster. Florida has excellent Hurricane planning in place with massive organization abilities and resources, and still when Hurricanes hit, they overwhelm with their forces and are unpredictable with how much rain, how much wind, what direction...etc. So if the technician that panicked and let too much water out had not done this, and the dam had actually let go, and caused 10 times the destruction and death would that be Leonel's fault. I've agree that someone needs to pay for the decision, but do you really think having a different government in place would have made a difference. Personally I have noticed a great deal of positives done by this government, at least in Jarabacoa and it is reformist country.
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Yes Bob you can...and I wrote a guide based on my education and expertise 2years ago. A guide that is endorsed on a responders knowledge database in the U.S., a database endorsed by DHS. I have lectured multiple response agencies in the U.S. (and now the DR) and my advice is very well received.
Unfortunately, the one time I put up my website here on DR1, it was removed and I was told I could write a plan for DR1 as a "labor of love"....I haven't time to rewrite it here....but you can read excerpts for free online at Amazon.
I just returned from three weeks in the DR (2 weeks in Jarabacoa, La Vega and Santiago....ONE in SD). I was finally (after four months of work), able to get certain products approved for sale to civilians that will help them prepare.
The DR government was offered the same products but wanted them "donated" after both storms TS Noel and Olga...it's the national creedo, "No hay un peso, tengo hombre"...extend your hand when you do it...it's like a salute. I met with officials after both storms, this is TRUE...my DR Importer was shocked when she heard this as the government had DONATED MONEY to buy items with! (Where's the $$$$)
Part of the reason FLORIDA's (and the rest of the USA) has an excellent plan is they have PAID contracts from FEMA with these companies to provide the goods and services to those who can't afford them...and ultimately after a storm even those foolish enough not to prepare, who CAN afford them....yes the U.S.A. is full of those who also seek entitlement.
ALL OF THAT SAID: You are correct, it is IMPOSSIBLE to fully prepare for mother nature's wrath HOWEVER.....Preparedness as individuals is paramount to the success of any national plan...individuals need to plan for disaster with food, water, communication and possible shelter. (and that includes relocating to a shelter or a friends house...)
If those that can afford to prepare would put away the necessities, it would allow officials to dedicate rescue and recovery to those who need it....when no one prepares....the system gets bogged down as after H-Katrina. Personally, I am able to feed and water 4 people from my home. I live alone...the less people I help, the longer I can go...it's a matter of PLANNING.
Think of it this way....WE ALL try to PLAN for retirement. Pilots, divers, doctors, dentists, NASCAR drivers, professional sports....all work from a PLAN...and that is the key........the DR government has no real plan (trust me)...they react and are not proactive....that requires a budget, and there is NONE... the COE GENERAL walked off a stage when asked his budget after TS OLGA!
I pointed out many issues to officials that will result in devastation far beyond your wildest dreams..... should a CAT1 or CAT2 hurricane hit SD from the SOUTH....that is a storm moving WEST, with it's eye-wall at or near the coast, where the full effects of the highest winds are felt.
The majority of NEW buildings have no window protection, the majority of the CZ is unprotected, the electrical grid is in severe disrepair, CLEAN WATER will be non-existant....and the shanty towns (the poor) will simply be blown away as happened on the river banks in the areas I saw.
(I found biological evidence in barbed wire fences along the river banks after NOEL that lead me to believe more than 45 died....when there's NOBODY in your family left to report you missing...no one knows) The photos have been forwarded to US. agencies that provided funding post storm.
Do yourself a favor....get with family and friends and put together a simple plan...one that will help others...it's good insurance...
After this years season....of CAT3s and CAT5s rolling by the island, one should heed the warning....it's not a matter of IF the DR gets hit hard....it's a matter of WHEN.
Respecfully,
Pyratt
It reminds me of a Roman Catholic childhood and having notions of 'culpable ignorance' instilled: i.e. lack of knowledge or understanding that results from the omission of ordinary care to acquire such knowledge or understanding. So in that sense if one is culpable when one has acted with indifference to consequences and to the rights of others, then something can be deliberate without being planned.
