Awe and anger takes a toll on a person. I’m 930 miles away from New Orleans yet emotionally drained from CNN, newspapers and e-mails. It was odd to hear that the eye of the hurricane missed New Orleans, yet hours later heard of massive devastation. I can only imagine the devastating impact on people each mile closer to the situation in Louisiana.

I’ve received e-mails from throughout the Gulf area. Frustration, shock and anger permeate the messages. Mistakes have compounded errors and omissions. What part put you over the top?

CNN’s non-stop coverage certainly helped us understand the scope of the disaster. We didn’t need to see the bodies floating in the water nor the political press conferences where people only talked to be seen. Perhaps that’s what drew so many to self-deploy or to call and offer aid — frustration. Unfortunately, responders who self-deploy compound logistical problems and phone calls to fire departments are clogging the already-sparse phone coverage.

There was a lack of fire department officials in CNN’s coverage. In fact the fire service stayed in place and continues to stay within the community, despite firefighters’ long hours and the loss of families and homes.

Unfortunately, the persistent reports of egos that got in the way came from many sources, but some was due to lack of communication or a resistance to respond until requested.

We fear another disaster — somewhere in our country — could cripple us as we struggle with the Gulf disaster.

Yet among the chaos, positive stories abound.

The IAFF and the IAFC are working together in Baton Rouge on relief efforts for firefighters, providing help equally to both career and volunteers in that area.

Rosenbauer funded a crew to respond to a desperate call for help from the fire chief of Slidell, La. Eric Saulsbury and a group of firefighters from central New York responded with food, supplies and a boat on top of a fire truck.

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Holden, La., has opened its doors to be logistical resource for collecting needed supplies. For details, go to www.ferrarafire.com

Unfortunately, this good is being shadowed by the mistakes. The United States has not seen this kind of devastation of nature. Katrina is at fault, but it really is two separate incidents: the hurricane and the levy break. The hurricane clean-up is progressing, but the flood has the potential to impact the entire nation with the displacement of victims, potential for disease and economic implications.

If you live near a volcano, a fault-line, nuclear facility or other potential threat, you better look at it again. If you don’t, look at what passes by highway, railway or overhead. “It can’t happen here” is like spitting in the wind — it comes back at you.

Look at New Orleans. They had a management plan and it failed. There are lessons to be learned, but the disaster is still going on and the burn out will be pandemic.