[StBernard] debris

[Westley Annis]

Hey Deborah,
 
Here is what is so frustrating- we make these kinds of arguments every day-
FEMA is immuned to common sense strategies- the motto for their decision
making mirrors the capital one credit card commercial about saying no.
 
Keep the ideas coming, you never know which one will turn the lights on.
 
God Bless,
Craig
 
P.S.  any sign of a debris truck on your street- I made an issue of the time
lag in your area. 
 
-----Original Message-----

As my husband and I drove into the parish tonight (we have gotten to the
point that we can live upstairs now), we discussed all the red tape about
whether or not FEMA pays for only storm damaged debris or new construction
debris, commercial debris vs. residential debris, etc. I told him about my
posting to Craig to try the approach with FEMA that if they can spend
billions on mitigation from future storm damage, why not spend thousands now
on just picking up any and all debris as a way to mitigate damage from the
2006 storms when all this debris starts flying and clogging drains, etc.
 
He then made an excellent point that might give you more to argue with FEMA
about, Craig.
FEMA can spend the thousands now by having ALL debris in any parish picked
up at their cost and get it off the streets prior to our first storm. OR
they can investigate who has debris removal insurance or not, the nature of
the debris, etc. and it will sit around until July or August or September
when the 75 mph plus winds come, and the clogged storm drains cause the
streets to flood. Then, all the debris will be mixed and dispersed by wind
and water. Then FEMA will pick up the tab for removing year old debris from
Katrina after we all work our tails off gathering it off our roofs, cars,
porches, yards, and pulling pieces of appliances out of our walls.
 
If I find the time this week, I may send this to the T-P hoping someone
somewhere can get a reasonable person in FEMA to see the forest from the
debris.
 
Deborah Keller