I believe the gentleman said he was in King George? As I understand it he said the local stations (TV) were telling people to listen to the radio if they needed to evacuate and that message never came. As it turned out he did participate in RACES with his local HAM group. I wish I could recall his call sign, but such limitations do not always occur with IRLP.
When I studied for my HAM license, I recall there being a section in my book on the history of ARES and RACES. There was mention of the importance of these services to the office of Civil Defense (now FEMA) The history of AM radio was also mentioned. The funding for most communities came directly from the office of Civil Defense to build AM stations as a means to disemminate information about fallout etc. etc. I was surprised to find this information out. It would seem in this era of homeland security we should have better support from the media, but perhaps Chris is correct.