Sara F. Hathaway
The Next Disaster
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In today's fiction segment, McClintock explains to Virgis that the government was forced to do National Triage because of the widespread devastation to the country. They had to decide where resources could be most effectively deployed. Other areas, like California, were cut off. Covid gave us a real-life example of the steps the government can take in a disaster, and a larger disaster could bring far more.
Featuring:
Special Guest:
Virgis Ch 4
Chin Gibson
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We have explored what the government can do in a national disaster many times on The Changing Earth Podcast. Looking at it after Covid gives us a real example of how quickly daily life can change. These are the main points from our conversation.
Emergency powers can change life fast. A request to stay home for two weeks became much longer. A bigger disaster could bring broader orders. Executive order 13603, National Defense Resources Preparedness, lets the president direct water, food, transportation, energy, construction materials, health resources, farm equipment, fertilizer, fuel, manpower and housing. FEMA follows the National Response Framework, and many of its leaders are appointed rather than elected.
Talk before the next disaster. Policymakers and the people should have a conversation before the next one strikes. Threats include a lab accident or a natural super virus, stronger natural disasters, and a weakening magnetic shield as solar ejections increase, which puts the electrical grid at risk.
A grid-down scenario. An EMP or a solar storm (CME) could take down the grid. Most people rely on digital money, grocery stores would run out of food in about three days, and replacement transformers take time to build and install. When weeks pass and no help arrives, tension rises.
Large-scale conflict. A major war would strain our military and could bring a draft. Bombings could damage water, food and transportation the way a natural disaster does.
People will move. Families relocate to escape devastation, and tension rises between local groups and newcomers as food, space and supplies run short. Building trust with neighbors early helps.
Food matters most. In a crisis, food replaces currency. Farmland, local growers and home gardens matter. Natural disasters already strain the supply chain, and a halted supply chain would mean famine.
The American spirit. In the past, a deep sense of brotherhood and sisterhood led self-reliant communities to unite for a common goal. It is my prayer that we can band together again.
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