In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, government agencies at all levels have a lot of explaining to do about failures and inaction. There was wholesale failure, from Presidential leadership, to the Mayor not ordering enough busses to evacuate those who couldn't. Systemic failures were exposed for what they were.

And now we, as "the people" have two resposibilites: Hold those who failed accountable (with our voices, actions, donations, votes etc...) - and assure it doesn't happen again.

Across the country, people need to make sure that if there is an emergency, that they are prepared in case the first responders are busy, or god forbid, not called to action.

In Ventura County, we are obviously prone to natural disaster. Fires, Mudslides, and the BIG ONE - Earthquakes. We all have a personal responsibility to be ready at home and business, to make sure those we are responsible for are taken care of. But what is the responsibility of our local governments?

Questions...

What happens if San Andreas let's go? What happens if it's the middle of the day?

1. Are there enough cops on the beat, and what is the procedure for making sure there are?

2. How will you get to your kids school and pick them up if the freeways and phone lines are down?

3. Are the schools prepared with food, water, emergency medical supplies?

4. We have one hospital in town, and it's under construction?

5. Do our local governmental agencies all have emegergency preparedness plans in place? Is it posted where we can read it? How often are there drills? Do kids know what to do in an earthquake?

6. As we saw in Katrina, do we know who's in charge? Does someone have the job because of political patronage, or do they have a level head and know what they're doing.

7. If kids have to spend the night at their school, how will they be provided for? If kids are seperated from their parents for an extended period, what are the procedures in place if emegency contacts can't be contacted?

8. How fresh are the emergency supplies and water?

9. Simi Valley has a CERT (community emergency response team) - does it have jurisdiction over schools and parks? Do other communities?

THIS is a disaster (or not) waiting to happen. Should there be a local task force to make sure it's all ready to go and in gear?

I am interested in getting your perspective.

Tim