Here in Baton Rouge, the same thing, but on a smaller scale.  And yet, most of the area is without power, and in some cases, without water.  There are people in Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes who will wait weeks for power to be restored!  For those of you unfamiliar with Baton Rouge, it is an inland city, unaccustomed to being hit hard by hurricanes, and to be without power in this storm was unimaginable.  While the utility companies are now making repairs, a few questions remain:  1) why wasn't the infrastructure better maintained? 2) what did they do with all their profit, since it was not used to shore up the system or place lines underground? and 3) how much will their CEO's receive as a bonus this year?

On the other hand, we have a superb governor in Bobby Jindal.  He has been just great in handling the storm and its aftermath, keeping the citizens of this state well informed during a time of crisis.  He has pushed and prodded other agencies to do their jobs (and I am including the utility companies, too), even though pushing FEMA has not resulted in much.  Not his fault, though.  While FEMA patted itself on the back for how well they prepared, they have not delivered on their promises of supplies.  Instead of 100 trucks, they send 45. Instead of equipping the distribution sites with all manner of supplies, you can stand in line for ice just to learn your distribution site only has tarps.  Who is the mastermind that came up with this stupid plan?  And why can't FEMA do a better job of staging?  I will admit the response is better than it was after Katrina, but it is still inept and slow.  There is no excuse for promising supplies and then failing to deliver them.  Just as there is no excuse that we would lose power after a Cat 1 or Cat 2 storm.  And to lose it for long, too.  Completely unacceptable.

Now, here is the part that irks me.  Some of the schools are planning to reopen on generator power and feed our children MRE's (meals ready-to-eat), a high fat, high calorie (about 1200 calories per meal) meal that comes with a flameless heater and matches.  The heater rises to a temperature of 100 degrees!  Can you imagine kids with this heater?  Plus, each kit comes with matches!  What are the school boards thinking (or not thinking)?  Is anyone else puzzled by this?  Yes, I know kids need to be in school.  So let them go in June, or take away many of the half-days and whole days they are going to be out of school already.  Florida added in 11 hurricane days for the 2006 school year; why can't Louisiana do the same?

Oh, and back to the power thing.  Can't pump gas or have perishables in the grocery stores without electricity.  Florida requires certain gas stations and grocery stores in the Palm Beach County area to have generators in the event of extended power outages.  Louisiana can do this, too.  So, although I didn't line up at the gas stations, or stand in line to get a bag of ice, I certainly sympathize with those who did.  While you might be prepared for three days without power, more than that is not acceptable in this country.  Hence, the lines everywhere.

This will be my only rant about Gustav, but Ike is coming, so I might have more to say then.  On a last note, I do want to commend all the churches that helped out, along with various places like CVS.  They managed to help people where FEMA did not.  I know it's not the government's job to provide help like this, but if they are going to exist at all, they must be held accountable for their lack of preparation (again).  But for Jindal, we would be in the same predicament as we were following Katrina.  But for Jindal's persistence and insistence, there would be no FEMA presence at all (at least not until next week!).  Thank God for a governor who is bold enough to take the reins and insist that promises be kept.  Too bad he isn't running for president now. 

I'll post again in a few days.  Until then, stay safe and God bless.

Baby-Boomers born between 1946-1965, like myself, grew up in a very different looking America. There were still many rural farming communities at that time, so more Americans were eating a healthier diet. Their daily lives also included more exercise since many were without vehicles or other forms of convenient transportation. On the downside of this way of life, many in these communities did not have annual medical check-ups and the idea of medical insurance was basically non-existent. Therefore, many died prematurely. Yet, very few died of America's most pressing medical problem today - obesity. Actually, it was quite rare to even see an overweight American during this time. Today it is an alarming epidemic of mass proportion with no social or racial borders.

I am compelled to mention this due to a chilling observation after last night's visit to a local restaurant. I rarely eat out, but when I'm forced to the reason is usually because of some special circumstance. Last night was one of those times. We went to a popular Asian establishment to indulge in one of our favorite foods. Of course, I'm also indulging in one of my lifelong passions - observing people in our society.

After we sat down approximately 50 people came into the restaurant flooding the tiny lobby. Perusing the diverse faces of young adults, children, teenagers, the middle-aged and the elderly it dawned on me that the majority had one thing in common. Approximately 90% were overweight or horribly obese. I spied one young man that must have weighed around 400 pounds. To be honest, it disgusted me. My only thought, what is occurring in the lives of these people that they would allow themselves to descend into a mass of human fat deforming their bodies subsequently robbing their health?

My conclusion was that even with all the weight loss resources available to Americans they are, instead, choosing to eat themselves into oblivion, or, they have no self-esteem regarding their health or physical appearance. To be completely fair and objective, I realize that many Americans are over-weight or obese due to circumstances beyond their control such as physical illness, prescription medicines, psychological problems and even genetic influence; but, not the whole damn population.

Last night's visual was reminiscent of observing cattle being fattened up for their eventual slaughter as many of the most overweight patrons returned again and again to the lavish buffet. My grotesque opinion is not meant to insult anyone with an honest weight problem, rather, it is a sincere warning to my fellow Americans that we are not physically prepared to engage our enemies if, or when, the government finally decides to wage their violence against those that disagree with them. When that day arrives Homeland Security thugs will, literally, be rounding up Americans physically incapable of fleeing from their pursuers. Americans clearly responsible for their over-weight problems and I refer to those who love to eat, or, addicted to food, if you harbor any dissension toward the present regime you are in more danger than the rest of the average population.

Time is no longer a luxury that we can afford. In the past few weeks America has finally descended into a full-blown police state in several areas of the country. It is only a matter of time before every city, town, county and rural area is effected with this government's Draconian rules of enforcement. We, the people, still have the right to make private informed decisions. Presently, the most important one is whether, or not, we fight the injustice poisoning the nation, or, surrender to this regime's Gestapo - Homeland Security, and be herded like cattle into FEMA camps. If you decide to fight our collective enemy, then you must have the physical strength and stamina for survival.

At this stage, every American should be focused on eradicating anything in their lives which affects their ability to defend not only family and friends, but themselves. Be it food, alcohol, drugs, sex, television, porn, whatever; it's time we dispense with all the trappings from those that are hell-bent on our destruction. These indulgences are meant to further entrap and enslave the nation and so far our enemy has done a bang-up job ensnaring the American public. Anyone offended or angry that I chose to share my assessment on this matter, I hope it compels you to take a deep look inside yourself. And don't bother preaching at this author. My trials and tribulations with weight management, prescription drugs and low self-esteem affords me the luxury of stating my personal opinion on these particular issues.

Out of sight, a battle for the American Republic looms large on the far horizon and it will require every single American standing together regardless of age, race, creed, infirmity or disability, yet, common sense dictates that the healthier the people in mind, body and soul, the better chance for survival and ultimately, victory.

Whitewraithe~

The mouthpiece tried to make it sound like a regional press flack mispokes hisself to the Associated Press.

Bullshit.

Secretary Micheal Chertoff announced on CNN in primetime while 2 million people from southeast Louisiana were glued to their TVs and promised assistance with evacuation hotel costs. Period. it happened. I saw it. FEMA cannot lie it away. And the hosts at WWL are apparently too timid to corner them and nail them on this.

The lessons we relearn here are the one's we already know. FEMA are liars. FEMA cannot be relied upon for assistance. We are on our own.

But, frankly, we already knew that.

So, just to update FEMA and C. Ray "mother of all...900 mile wild storms" Nagin, we have got the message.

Don't leave next time. If I can get my 87-year old mother on a direct flight to Kansas City and my sisters, trust me: we won't.

Although Gustav was not as severe as Katrina, more Louisiana households experienced hurricane-force winds this week than in the 2005 storm, a researcher who has done work for Entergy said Friday, as the utility remained under fire for widespread power outages.

Researcher Greg Rigamer said 51.4 percent of Louisiana residents experienced hurricane-force winds during Gustav's wide-ranging trek across the state, compared with 39 percent of residents during Katrina.

"The impact of Gustav was far greater in the state of Louisiana than Katrina. While Katrina was more severe, Gustav was more expansive," Rigamer said. "Gustav had a significant footprint."

With much of Louisiana literally still in the dark, those of us outside the state are better able to see the extent of wind damage.  I'll add links to some of the reports I've read in comments; but, first, more from Mowbray's story and how Gustav makes the case for immediate passage of HR3121.

Rigamer said he did not produce the work for Entergy, but he was the lead speaker on Entergy's storm conference call Friday afternoon. He said he thought his research would help support potential requests for federal assistance.

As the company races to reconnect its grid, Entergy has not said how much Gustav will cost, how it will affect customers or whether it will seek federal assistance as it did after Katrina.

"We're still focused on restoration, and we haven't begun to estimate the costs of the storm," said Renae Conley, president and chief executive of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

Restoration work progressed Friday, with 485,000 Entergy customers, or 59 percent of those who lost power, regaining electricity since the storm.

All customers in New Orleans, Metairie and Kenner should have power by early next week, and all customers in St. John the Baptist Parish should have electricity by Wednesday, Entergy said. Meanwhile, customers in lower Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard, St. Charles and Plaquemines parishes might have to wait until Sept. 15 for all households to be restored.

In New Orleans, all 22 substations have been brought back online, and power has been restored to 70 percent of customers...

The company is also working to get the nuclear plants that provide low-cost power to customers around the state back online. Entergy's Waterford nuclear power station in Taft will restart today, but the siding of the Riverbend nuclear plant near St. Francisville was damaged in the storm and needs to be repaired...

While it might be easy to blame Entergy for the widespread power failures, Midura said, repairing damaged transmission lines is a huge undertaking. She said it is not fair to judge the utility's progress against wind speed in New Orleans because the problems originated with massive lines closer to the main swath of storm damage. (emphasis mine)

It's hard for me not to think about the engineering reports and the related research I did recently before posting Wind damage really sucks - literally - in a hurricane.

The lack of power translates to the very difficult job of properly adjusting claims that HR3121 would resolve and reminds us that even Dorothy came back from Oz to the reality of Kansas.  It's past time for the insurance industry to put on its red shoes and follow.

Passing HR3121 wouldn't end discussion.  What it would do, instead, is end the competing priorities of protecting vulnerable citizens and a vulnerable industry and move the needs of the insurance industry to the top of the list.

The response for immediate replacement housing was met by FEMA, through contracts with travel trailer and mobile home suppliers.  Clayton Homes booked a substantial amount of revenue from government contracts, although they were hardly alone.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of problems with how those contracts were fulfilled.  It has become fairly well known that levels of formaldehyde in trailers exceeded acceptable limits.  When the health of so many people was put at risk by a government intended to otherwise help them, it made the factory built housing industry look very bad.

In 2008, how will recent history influence the events surrounding this year's disaster response?  In 2006 and 2007, the hurricane season was mild.  There was no dramatic event.  Already, though, Gustav has roared through with high winds.  Ike may be far worse, in particular if it goes through Miami and up along the East Coast.  The damage could depend more upon the path of Ike then upon the relative ferocity of the winds.

If a lot of homes are damaged, it might be an opportunity for huge sales in manufactured housing.  If only because no other product can adequately house so many people in such a short amount of time.

But any opportunity will be thwarted by memories of how things went just three years ago.

Just before midnight Wednesday, the area from Westin Avenue to East Thomas Street to Pine Street to South Morrison Boulevard to Club Deluxe to Southwest Railroad Avenue to Old Covington Avenue received power. Crews’ work on Wednesday meant all hotels in Hammond now have power.

Downtown Hammond remained dark Thursday..."

Full story here

And from the emergency.louisiana.gov website Sept. 5, 2008

Evacuees with medical needs will be sent to shelters in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Monroe, Bossier City and Hammond.
However, they should first call one of the lines below to be certified by a nurse.

• New Orleans 1-866-280-2068
• Baton Rouge 1-800-349-1372
• Houma-Thibodaux 1-800-228-9409
• Lafayette 1-800-901-3210
• Lake Charles 1-866-280-2711
• Alexandria 1-800-841-5778
• Shreveport 1-800-841-5776
• Monroe 1-866-280-7287
• Mandeville 1-866-280-7724

He said the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise informed him Wednesday that Washington, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes were “out of the loop” for federal assistance, which includes financial reimbursement...." Full story here.

The only big worry Nelson has-- housing, if a Cat 4 or 5 hits south FL.  FEMA has 75,000 trailers at the ready, but they can't use them because they have "formaldehyde problems", unhealthy fumes in the interior.

Speaking to the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Nelson harkened back to the 1952 presidential campaign as he began his remarks-- "I sure don't like Ike."

Before you peek, I'll go ahead and tell you that it makes a pretty long post - but I like the legislation  even better after seeing some things that I probably didn't think were all that important before.

If it repeats something we've already posted, I hope Sop will hit the delete and the rest of you will forget I put it up.  Otherwise, take a look and let us know what you think.

Section 1 – Title

Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007.

Section 2 – Findings and Purposes

This section sets forth certain findings regarding the need for reform of and increased borrowing authority for the national flood insurance program. This section also establishes the purposes of the Act.

Section 3 – Study regarding status of pre-FIRM properties and mandatory purchase requirement for natural 100-year floodplain and non-federally related loans

This section requires the GAO to conduct a study on the effects of extending the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement to all properties located in a flood hazard area, whether or not the mortgage on the property is federally-backed. This section also requires the GAO to study coverage for pre-FIRM properties (properties built before 1974 that receive subsidized insurance rates), as well as the effects of extending the mandatory purchase requirement to properties protected by dams and levees. In addition, the GAO must address, in the study, the extent to which eligibility standards for pre-FIRM properties were inconsistent and resulted in disparities in coverage among such properties and their owners. This report is to be submitted to the Congress no later than 6 months from the enactment of this Act.

Section 4 – Phase in of actuarial rates for nonresidential properties and nonprimary residences

This section requires the phase-in of actuarial rates (or the phase-out of subsidized rates), for pre-FIRM properties that are nonresidential properties and non-primary residences beginning on January 1, 2011. The phase-in does not apply to multifamily rental properties or rentals that are the primary residence of the tenant.

Section 5 – Exception to waiting period for effective date of policies

This section makes flood insurance coverage effective immediately when a policy is purchased within 30 days of a home purchase or transfer of the property.

Section 6 – Enforcement (increasing penalties for lender non-compliance)

This section increases to $2,000 the fine levied against federally-regulated lending institutions for each failure to enforce mandatory flood insurance purchase requirementsand increasing the year cap on fines for institutions to $1 million. However, this cap will not apply to institutions that were assessed a penalties of $1 million in any 3 of the last 5 years. This section also contains a “safe harbor” for lending institutions that make a good faith effort to comply with mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements, or if such a violation is nonmaterial in nature.

Section 7 – Multiperil coverage for flood and windstorm

This section incorporates the text of H.R. 920. It expands the NFIP to provide for an optional multiple peril policy to cover wind and flood risk-in-one policy. This section requires premiums for the new optional coverage to be risk-based and actuarially sound, so that the program would be required to collect enough premiums to pay claims. (Note that actuarial rates for the NFIP are not the same as actuarial rates for private marketbased insurance. Under the NFIP, the actuarial rate has been less than would be charged for private, market-based flood insurance coverage.)

Under this section, multiple peril policies would be available where local governments agree to adopt and enforce building codes and standards designed to minimize wind damage, in addition to the existing flood program requirements for flood plain management. Any community participating in the flood insurance program could opt into the multiple peril option. The multiple peril residential policy limit is $500,000 for the structure and $150,000 for contents and loss of use. Nonresidential properties could be covered to $1,000,000 for structure and $750,000 for contents and business interruption.

The NFIP may not offer new policies or renew existing polices during any time the NFIP borrows money to pay multiple peril policy claims.

The effective date for this section is June 30, 2008.

Section 8 -- Maximum coverage limits

This section increases the maximum coverage limits for flood insurance policies. New coverage limits would be $335,000 for residences; $135,000 for residential contents; and $670,000 for businesses and churches.

Section 9 – Coverage for additional living expenses, basement improvements,business interruption, and replacement cost of contents

This section requires FEMA to include in each renewal or new contract for flood insurance at least $1,000 for living expenses following a flood event. This section also requires FEMA to provide actuarially-priced, optional residential basement coverage for flood losses. Actuarially-priced business interruption coverage for flood losses is also to be provided by FEMA for commercial properties (including multifamily rental properties). This section also requires FEMA to provide actuarially-priced contents >coverage for both residential and commercial properties.

Section 10 – Notification to tenants of availability of contents

This section requires FEMA to provide copies of the notice document to insured landlords, in order to strongly encourage landlords to provide tenants with this notice, so that tenants may be informed about the property’s location in a flood zone, the availability of flood insurance coverage, and how to purchase the coverage. This provision does not include penalties in the event that FEMA does not comply with this section or a landlord fails to distribute the notice.

Section 11 – Increase in annual limitation of premium increases

This section increases the annual limitation on premium increases from 10 percent to 15 percent.

Section 12 – Increase in Borrowing Authority

This section increases the national flood insurance program's borrowing authority to $21.5 billion from the current $20.775 billion. This section also requires that FEMA submit a report to Congress, not later than 6 months after enactment of this legislation, on how it intends to repay, within 10 years, all funds borrowed under this increased authority.

Section 13 – FEMA participation in State disaster claims mediation programs

This section requires FEMA, upon request of a state insurance commissioner, to participate in a state disaster claims mediation program for the non-binding mediation of flood insurance claims. However, this section stipulates that participation in the mediation program will not affect contract or tort liability, or the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal courts to hear disputes involving the NFIP. Further, this section does not require the NFIP to pay additional mediation fees upon participation. This section also requires the Standard Flood Insurance Policy as well as the appeals process established under the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, and related institutions, to apply exclusively, instead of this section, in the case of a natural catastrophe that results in flood damage claims under the NFIP, but does not result in any loss covered by a personal lines residential property insurance policy.

Section 14 – FEMA annual report on insurance program
This section requires FEMA to report annually to Congress on the financial status of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Section 15 – Flood insurance outreach

This section creates a competitive grant program for communities that encourage homeowners to purchase flood insurance, where those homeowners are not legally required to do so, and in general, educate all residents about the benefits of flood insurance. This section also requires FEMA to report to Congress within 60 days of enactment a description of its marketing and outreach efforts to educate consumers on the benefits of obtaining flood insurance.

Section 16 – Grants for direct funding of mitigation activities for individual repetitive claims properties

This section provides a technical fix from 2004 flood insurance legislation by permitting mitigation grants for repetitive loss properties to go directly to property owners.

Section 17 – Extension of Pilot Program for Mitigation of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties

This section amends section extends the pilot program, which was created in the 2004 flood insurance legislation, through September 30, 2012.

Section 18 – Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

This section provides a technical fix from 2004 flood insurance legislation by adding demolition and rebuilding as an allowable mitigation activity under the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. In some cases demolition and rebuilding is the most cost effective mitigation option.

Section 19 – GAO study of methods to increase flood insurance program participation by low-income families

This section requires the GAO to study methods to increase participation of low-income families in the flood insurance program.

Section 20 – Notice of availability of flood insurance and escrow in RESPA Good Faith Estimate

This section requires disclosure in the RESPA good faith estimate about the availability of flood insurance and clarifies that the disclosure state that flood insurance is available of whether you are in a flood zone or not.

Section 21 – Reiteration of FEMA responsibilities under 2004 Reform Act

This section requires FEMA, within 90 days of enactment, to establish an appeals process for claims. FEMA must continue to work with state regulators and the industry to implement minimum agent training requirements. FEMA must report to Congress after 6 months on status of implementing all 2004 reforms.

Section 22 – Ongoing Modernization of Flood Maps and Elevation Standards

This section makes the map modernization program ongoing; requires the mapping of the 500-year floodplain (but such 500-year mapping may not delay the mapping of a community’s 100-year floodplain map); gives priority in updating maps to areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, creates a responsibility for FEMA to educate communities about map updates; establishes the trigger for pre-FIRM subsidy phase out of second and vacation homes as January 1, 2011. This provision also changes mapping authorization of appropriations from $300 million to $400 million and makes the Technical Mapping Advisory Council ongoing (and adds a real estate professional to the Council). The section also provides that if a map must be updated to reflect changes to protective structures under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, the cost of such update will not be at the expense of the community.

Section 23 – Notification and appeal of map changes; notification of establishment of flood elevations:

This section requires FEMA to provide map change information to affected communities, and requires a notice in local newspapers of map changes, a description of the appeals process, and contact information for an appeal.

Section 24 - Clarification of replacement cost provisions, forms, and policy language

This section requires FEMA, within 3 months of enactment, to issue regulations and revise materials to provide a plain language clarification of replacement cost coverage; revise flood insurance policies to be consistent with language in homeowners policies; and require the use of plain language forms developed pursuant to the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004.

Section 25 – Authorization of additional FEMA staff

This section authorizes necessary funds be appropriated for the Director of FEMA to employ additional staff necessary to carry out all of the responsibilities required by this bill.

Section 26 – Extension of deadline for filing proof of loss

This section extends the deadline for filing the proof of loss associated with a flood insurance claim from 60 days to 180 days.

Section 27– 5-year extension of program

This section reauthorizes the NFIP for five years through 2013. The current authorization of the NFIP expires in 2008.

Section 28 – Report of inclusion of building codes in floodplain management criteria

This section requires FEMA to conduct a study and report to Congress not later than six months after enactment regarding the use of national recognized building codes as part of floodplain management.