They weren't ready for this.

They weren't. They spent all weekend talking about how they've feared "The Big One" for years, but you know what? They truly weren't prepared for it when it hit. There's no other explanation for the chaos we're seeing on television. It's taking too long to get help in to these people, it's taking too long to get these people out, and nobody seems to really know exactly what's going on. Have they started sandbagging or not? Nobody knows. How long is it really going to take to evacuate New Orleans? Nobody knows. And on and on.

Not that I don't admire the effort underway, because I know it's an organizational nightmare. I know that people in New Orleans have hampered efforts somewhat with their descent into savagery. I know that roads are out and cell towers are out and phones are out and power is out. I know that none of us have ever seen a natural disaster like this in America. But still. After watching the last few days unfold, you can't tell me that anyone is following any sort of well-drawn out plan. It's infuriating.

On a more personal front, after seeing "Volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency. Self-dispatched volunteers can put themselves and others in harm’s way and hamper rescue efforts" on the FEMA website, I decided that getting into my truck and heading down there was probably not the way to go. I know that I could get there and easily find somewhere to fit in - there are thousands and thousands of people who need any kind of help they can get - but it's better to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Especially when I'm already grumbling about the lack of organization down there. So I filled out an application at the Salvation Army website and made it very clear that I would like to go south if I could, although I'll help with their efforts in any way that I can, and I got a preliminary email in response and am supposed to get a call from someone in the next few days. I'm also visiting the local chapter of the Red Cross tomorrow to talk to someone there about any opportunities they may have, both here and in the affected areas.

I guess the first one to claim me gets me, at least for this disaster. Beyond that, I'll have time to sit down and make a decision about what volunteer organization fits me best. Because I don't want this to be something I do once and then walk away from. It's time that I grew up a little bit more and did something meaningful and worthwhile with at least part of my life, you know?