Long recovery ahead

The recovery from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma continues. It will not be over in a matter of weeks or months. For some, it will be years, particularly in Puerto Rico, which Maria slammed on Wednesday. These events typically go through stages: First is emergency/search and rescue efforts, then recovery, then risk mitigation, and then long-term preparedness.

City government planning boards would be wise to evaluate current policy. Spend some time and effort thinking about the fact that floods are caused not only by heavy rains, but also by paving over natural flood protections.

In Florida we have, as the song goes, “paved paradise, and put up a parking lot.” It would be wise to more diligently consider all possible effects of developing before approving and building. We are a compassionate society with a strong philanthropic history, and as we read the headlines and see the images of devastation, the urge to send clothing, bedding and other items takes hold of many of us.

Keep in mind that sending those types of items can clog roads and systems of communication. What on-the-ground responders need is monetary resources that allow them to adapt to situational changes. Send cash now, but also do not forget that once the media coverage subsides, the need will still exist.

Consider spreading out the amount you can afford to contribute over a period of time, because the return to normalcy will be a long road. David Robinson Orlando Sentinel Editorial Advisory Board member from Mount Dora