emse232

Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

April 2009 Volume 16 - Number 3

News and Analysis...

2009 Ice Storms: Recovery and what is reported in the media

Justin Terilli

During the 2009 winter ice storms, the media presented very comprehensive coverage of the response and initial recovery, but after a few weeks they were gone. To the public that is watching coverage from afar, the perception is that a recovery from a disaster ends when the news stops reporting it but, this is not the case. There are many stories that go unnoticed and information that goes unheard. Here are some noteworthy occurrences that were not widely reported.

In Arkansas the National Guard has deployed a brand new temporary shower/shave/laundry center in the area near Marshall, Arkansas, providing a much needed service as well as a morale boost. To check on the welfare of its residents the National Guard spread out in communities all over the state to clear debris and go door to door to check on homes without power. This was a huge undertaking that highlighted the attitude of service and pride in community demonstrated by citizens during crises.

In Oklahoma the Baptist Disaster Response Team assisted the Oklahomans’ recovery from ice storms that left many large trees down. Over 450 faith based responders used chainsaws to remove downed trees and brought large plastic tarps to cover holes in roofs. They also provided mobile kitchens to feed their own people as well as residents who were still in shelters. Many people don’t realize the impact that storms have on agriculture as well. Up to 25,000 acres of pecan trees in Oklahoma were destroyed causing an estimated $10-20 million in damage! This is a huge burden to place on farmers who are undoubtedly already affected by the economy.

Some residents of areas affected by major ice storms in Oklahoma expressed annoyance with the local media and the vast amount of irrelevant information they were reporting. Residents wanted up to date information but because of widespread power and communication outages there was no available electricity or phone service. However, some cell phone towers and community centers had emergency power, which made mobile phones and satellite internet available for use. Some community officials were able to send text messages and even make postings to Facebook to convey vital information. In one case, a couple whose road was blocked by debris while they were without power used their vehicle communication system, “On Star”, to get help. These are examples of how widely available technologies can be used for information sharing.

Channel 7 news in Boston reported that a $300,000 bonus was given to the CEO of Unitil Corporation, a large power company in the northeast that has been harshly criticized over its response to the ice storms in December. Community newspapers and blogs reveal differing opinions about the speed of the power company’s response, but most agreed that the information given to residents was incorrect and communication must improve.

Mass media is only one resource available to obtain important information. The use of new, popular technology must be explored and encouraged by local officials and embraced by the population at large. Even recent entries such as Twitter and MySpace may provide additional avenues for reliable information resources in emergency management.

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