[Valigator]

sent this letter this am, lets see what happens...I also sent to the local cable stations who have local guest, the mayor the city commissioners etc....

Dear Ms. Brown,

After researching Broward County and its various agencies in charge of emergency services especially in hurricane situations, it looks like the buck stops with you. I read your website and as entertaining as it is, it still left me in the dark as to what procedures are in place at this time in the event of a devastating storm as Katrina, was to hit Broward County. I realize that we may have different issues than the New Orleans scenario, topography etc... but we here in Broward county are still left with little more than where to look for the blue and white evacuation signs and to make sure we have batteries. After Louisiana and the Gulf Coast I find this woefully inadequate. I also find the coverage prior to Katrina from Irene Leiberman lacking in information in the event of a catastrophic storm. Also in my research, I read of grants and expansion of persons involved in hurricane preparedness. That is wonderful. But quite frankly Ms. Brown, I don't want to be one of those people standing on a flooded street in Ft. Lauderdale looking up to the sky wondering what is gonna happen next, while your agency plays catch up after the storm. As a resident of Broward County, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to inform myself, my family, and my neighbors in a worst case scenario what will be forthcoming from your agency, before, during and after a damaging storm. Please don't misinterpret my letter. I was born and bred in S. Florida and am very familiar with hurricane preparation. But Katrina was an eye opener for all of the Southeast and I feel that your agency, your website and quite frankly you in your position have some answers that are not forthcoming to the residents questions at this juncture. I suggest you look at the Gulf coast example and reassure the residents you represent that the issues that confronted those areas will not happen here... What is your agency doing for flood prone areas prior to the storm? What alternative shelters are in place for the existing designated ones with no power? What forms of transportation are in place for those unable to evacuate on their own? What ice, food and medical storage facilities are in place. I noticed with Katrina, areas for pick-up of these items, were not yet determined, no offense, but we have had enough practice runs. We wanna know point by point what your agency is gonna do....Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,