January 3, 2005

FEMA Stumped by Privacy Concerns When Address Hurricane Aid To Victims

Charlotte County and the Southwest Florida Area Agency on Aging say that their efforts to provide assistance to storm victims have been complicated because of privacy concerns expressed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency claims that they have no method of connecting those elderly residents who reside in Charlotte County, but have been relocated due to hurricane related damage with local aid agencies. There should be a way of asking victims if they want help and relaying that information to the appropriate agency without violating their right to privacy. The assignment federally or state certified councilors or victim advocates may be helpful in assessing the needs of those who may not be in a condition to make decisions for themselves, such as the very young, ill, injured or elderly. This will most likely not be the last time that global warming causes natural disasters, so FEMA should plan now to address privacy challenges.

Aid to Elderly Blocked on Privacy Issues, Miami Herald, December 15, 2004