A very brief and, hopefully, steadying note about the impeding weather ka-blammo and its aftermath. No speculation on political implications. Plenty of that already.
No preparedness tips, either. I've done my share and there are really good diaries, chock full of resources, up right now. (Though I don't think I've heard enough about trash bags; they help keep important stuff dry if the rain gets in, and, believe me, they'll come in handy afterward).
This is simply a brief note about the amazing progress the federal government has made in preparing for bad stuff since my town's horrible experience not too many years ago.
Since the staggering federal failure in response to the levee breeches in New Orleans in 2005, the government has undertaken a massive overhaul of its disaster response procedures. Under both Republican and Democratic administrations, resources have been allocated to improve communications, wargame possible scenarios and pre-stage materials.
DHS and FEMA, particularly under its present director Mr. Fugate, have installed multiply redundant communications capabilities to coordinate federal, state, local and military recovery resources. The network is solid and they're on it. To the extent your back can be gotten, they've got it.
You've still got to be as prepared as you can get, ready to survive and help your neighbors. Ain't no 911 when it's coming in at 60 miles an hour.
But know this: the men and women of your government are busting serious sweat right now to be ready to respond to this. They really have learned a lot since our difficulties, and their toolbox has never been more full and ready.
They are not miracle workers and this is going to be a mess, but believe me, no effort is going to be spared in working to make it better. We are very fortunate.