BYRD’S EYE VIEW: Forward Thinking for National Disasters
From the desk of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Katrina wrought massive destruction throughout the Gulf Coast region. The common refrain heard in the days after the disaster and throughout the months of rescue and recovery has been, “We weren’t prepared.” There is no mistaking that New Orleans, Louisiana, surrounding states, and the federal government were not prepared to handle an emergency of such magnitude, and millions of Americans have paid the price.
West Virginia knows all too well the damage that flood waters can do, but we don’t give much thought to the impact that a different kind of emergency could have on our state. Since September 11, 2001, I have been concerned that if another terrorist attack were to strike Washington, D.C., it would be a flood of people, not water, that would rush into West Virginia.
Potentially millions of people could clog the highways leading into our state. They could turn to West Virginia communities for food and water, shelter, and medical services. The result might be a monumental challenge for West Virginia’s infrastructure and emergency services. We need to plan now to be ready to handle such a challenge.
I am proud to report that West Virginia’s preparations for such an emergency situation have received a major boost. The state will receive nearly $13.3 million in federal homeland security funds for this year. Of that total, more than $7.5 million will support efforts to protect citizens in an emergency, including mass evacuation preparations. Another $5.5 million will assist state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to potential acts of terrorism.
The West Virginia evacuation plans should include "preset" services and provisions that could help to speed people westward from the East Coast. Items like gasoline, medical supplies, beds, food, water, and other essential commodities would help facilitate a safer, more efficient evacuation.
Last fall, I authored a key provision of law that paved the way for states and local governments across the country to develop multi-state, multi-jurisdictional emergency evacuation plans. I have worked closely with Governor Joe Manchin and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in a combined mission to develop and strengthen West Virginia’s mass evacuation plans.
In a post-September 11 world, we can hope for the best, but we must plan for the worst. By taking the rights steps now, West Virginia will be ready to answer the call if disaster strikes.