Originally Posted By: epirider
I have had the priveledge to have the red cross come to a few house fires and some bigger events. I can not say enough good things about them. Please to not take my comments as a assault on the people that serve in the red cross. I was mearly commenting on human nature and how a situation can go from bad to worse to down right chaotic in an instant. My point that I was trying to make (and I guess it was poorly done) is that bringing knives or guns into a place that is already potentially stewing is probably not a great idea for anyone involved. Those who are prepared and forgo the shelter should have some form of cutting devise. In a shelter where everything is in place and provides for the needs of the mass, then there is no need. Thats all. Guess I should have said it that way in the first place


I apologize if I gave the impression that I thought you were attacking Red Cross folks. I know you weren't. Your observations on human nature, shelters, and individual preparedness are well taken.

All I was trying to do was illustrate how a typical "Red Cross Shelter" comes in to being. My key point is that, although the Red Cross provides much of the service, they don't get to dictate all the rules, and many of the things that may happen are simply beyond their control, such as local officials setting up metal detectors or doing searches.

Furthermore, although I am a former Red Cross paid employee and volunteer, that was many years ago. I have no current active affiliation with the American Red Cross, and my comments are strictly my own opinion. I do, however, work alongside and around Red Cross folks in a different disaster capacity, and have tremendous respect and affection for them and for the American Red Cross.

Jeff