It seems that in most disasters, most of the time, people help each other and work productively. No matter how good the government might or might not be, the help that is immediately available is most critical.

I have been most impressed with the professionalism of our local FD in responding to and caring for medical emergencies, and in their response to local brush fires. This is great in "normal" times. In the event of a major problem (= earthquake where I am) it is unrealistic to expect a prompt response to my particular problem. I and my neighbors are going to have to help ourselves, following the good example set by the folks in Tuscaloosa nd Joplin. I am reasonably confident we will.