i'll have to disagree with one of the posts that at least a 72 hour emergency kit would be of little use. if most people there had even a 24 hour emergency kit it would have helped. when you have nothing at all you're more likely to panic and the situation gets worse. if you have some sort of emergency backup, no matter how small, it would seem to make things at least a percentage better. i know i'd feel better if i had a small supply of water, medications, insect repellent, sun cover, etc. but then again, from my perspective its easy to speculate. but in my opinion, especially in high risk areas, especailly before a major storm, it would have helped if the local gov. at least tried to distribute a small provisions package (especailly to low income residents) just in case. but like i said, its easy for me to speculate. i can't even imagine what those people are going through.