SOP in disaster is for city/state to be self sufficient for 72 hours while waiting for federal help.
On a personal level it is important that each individual be prepared so they can wait for state/city aid. That's why we make disaster kits for such emergencies.Food, flashlights, water,etc etc. Along those lines it is critical that a city/state have their own evacuation, disaster,preparedness plan of action while they are waiting for FEMA to come on scene. Just like I want to be as self sufficient as possible while waiting for city/state aid, a state /city should have a plan until federal help arrives. New Orleans was winging it IMO and didn't have a clue what to do with it's citizens. that is positively frightening to me.
better believe i am going to find out what my city has available to me in case of natural disaster and how long it will take for me too access it.Then i can prepare for my family accordingly.