Memories of Andrew (part 2)

As dawn broke on August 25th, 1992, we realized how lucky we were being more than 60 miles north of where Hurricane Andrew made landfall. Despite some high wind gusts, we got away with no damage at all. The people of Homestead and other areas south of Miami were not so fortunate. Homestead Air Force Base was destroyed, as were many of the homes in the area.

In the now infamous subdivision of Country Walk, homes that should have fared better were completely destroyed. It was later confirmed that in the rush to make a buck, the houses were slapped together using the shoddiest of workmanship and materials, and were never properly inspected. In a memorable interview with writer Carl Hiaasen, former president Jimmy Carter was asked why much less expensive Habitat for Humanity homes remained standing, while homes in Country Walk were blown to matchsticks. "That," answered Jimmy Carter, "was because we used nails."

The plant where I worked was closed that day, but reopened on the 26th. A lot of people were missing that day, gone south to help family and friends. Like most of my co-workers that showed up, I emptied my wallet for the folks heading south to help them buy ice, rent chainsaws, and the like. FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) was completely asleep at the wheel, as was most of the federal government (though as I recall the armed forces were quick to respond). FEMA reacted to Hurricane Andrew at such a glacial pace, that Congress actually considered eliminating the agency. Apparently, FEMA has learned their lesson and has responded to subsequent disasters much better. The White House has learned, too. The elder President Bush was slow to do anything, but both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were quick to at least show up and tour areas affected by hurricanes.