I talked with our EMA director last night after our ham radio club meeting. I was eaying that preparedness is an everyday thing and not just 1 month. He said he could talk preparedness to 60 thousand of the 65+ thousand people in the county. When the disaster happens they would still complain that not enough is being done for them.

At the Dayton Hamvention a couple years ago. I was at the MARS (Military Affiliate Radio Service) forum. They said that when a disaster happens, (enter Katrina)it is 72 hours before the military arrives to help. People do not understand that if the military moves in earlier they may become refugees themselves. Since wx is not an exact science, if they arrived before hand they may be hundreds of miles from the stricken area. Then it's tear down and relocate.
After arriving, it is 24 hours by the time they are set up and ready to do business. Our EMA Dir. is at least trying to make sure the county is prepared for this. (another long story)

The general public will complain whenever something like this happens even if a proper kit was provided for them. National Preparedness Month is at least a way to try and help the general public prepare themselves.