Reply #4: The Houston area is far larger than New Orleans. [View All]

[Bridget Burke]

A few facts:

* Many evacuated who were NOT in danger from Storm Surge. Those in sturdy houses many miles from the water would probably survive a direct hit. Staging would allow timed evacuations based on need.

* Don't depend on FEMA for gasoline. The State of Texas said they would send out tank trucks to refill gas stations. It never happened.

* Contraflow lanes had never been used in Texas before. TxDOT (Department of Transportation) was in charge--City & County officials have no power here. TxDOT needs to do some serious planning.

* Evacuation of people with special needs was handled pretty well. (The bus that burned was a charter, owned by a company which had an imperfect record.)