…the other passengers for the value of the lost cargo?

Why or why not?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_average

The law of general average does not charge passengers to cover the losses of cargo. It means that all owners of cargo being shipped share the burden of cost of any cargo that was jettisoned.

There is nothing socialist about it.

How can people help?

There are many things that an individual can do, but you must understand that in those times, the professionals need the cooperation of people, and the space to perform their duties. Taking a course in CPR, First Aid, and AE would be a benefit. Learn where the resources are for your community: safety centers, hospitals & clinics, etc. The most important resource in an emergency situation is Communication. Supplies are always necessary: stock piles of clean water, blankets, First Aid supplies, easy-to-prepare foods, and fuel. The one thing an emergency does NOT need is untrained people running around, causing panic, interfering and getting in the way. Advance preparation is Crucial, but there are things that every citizen can do. When you get an opportunity, stop in at the local Fire station or Police station and ask them how YOU can best help in the event of a disaster. They have lists of organizations that they depend on for assistance, training programs available, and community leaders with whom you can interface. Thank you for caring.

What happened in the disaster at Enfeild?
I’m really confused about what actually happened, and why so many people died. Wikipedia doesn’t help either…

Thanks.

It was an absolute tragedy for all Liverpool folk. I wasn’t alive back then, but my parents told me about it. I also read about it in Steven Gerrard’s biography.

So, we were playing Nott Forest at Sheffield (not Anfield) and had loads of away support. Too much, in fact. Before long, the away stand was completely full. But there will still thousands of angry Liverpool fans outside trying to get in. In an attempt to ease tensions, the authorities decided to allow the fans to enter. The away stand collapsed under the pressure of the singing and jumping fans. It’s not the fans’ faults, as we’re well known for strong spirit, loyal, and support. The stadium simply could not handle it.

Here’s some video footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx9N4dv5yPk&feature=related

~ You’ll Never Walk Alone

I was wondering what nursing homes or senior centers did in order to prepare hurricanes or earthquakes. What are the procedures and what among them needs improvement to make things more safe for the elderly and easier for the people who work in those places.

For nursing homes certified through CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), they are required to have disaster/emergency plans in place….and policies and procedures are reviewed when the nursing home are inspected annually by nursing home surveyors. Nursing home surveyors also interview staff to determine whether staff are aware of the plan.

What I look for in review of a plan, is that it makes sense and is feasible. For example, if a nursing home has an old agreement with a water company, I question whether it is updated. The most important thing with disaster plans is that they have to be a "living" document. A great thing to do in disaster planning is to include your local law enforcement; local utility company; local hospitals; and other nursing homes. For example, if the nursing home does not have a generator (which is not required if there are no residents on life support type equipment), then the nursing home should be making contact beforehand with facilities that do have generators, to see if in times of emergency (if needed), they could send some of their residents to the other facility. Long term power outages during winter, for example, need to be addressed. Nursing homes should contact their local law enforcement to get a contact name or the name of a couple of staff who can provide priority assistance during a crisis. Some nursing homes have an agreement with their local utility company as a priority organization, so if power is down, the nursing home will be at the top for priority to get their power back up and running. Another important part of policy for disasters is there needs to be some type of medication back-up plan…..if the power goes out, and the facility does not have a generator to power medication refrigerators…..what about your insulin, for example. Also, if residents would need to go out to other places, like shelters…..how should nursing staff handle their medications and medical records? All of these are important in having a "better" outcome, then if a facility is not prepared at all. Nursing homes should also have a listing of staff and their radius from the facility. Are there staff who can walk to work, for example? The staff person who lives 40 miles away, if something occurs won’t be able to get to the facility. So staffing plans are also important. Some facilities have plans in place where they may allow staff (i.e. single parents) to bring in their children if there is a crisis so the staff can care for the residents and know their child(ren) are safe. The plan should also include how they will notify family of the residents during a time of disaster. For example, the Red Cross is a good resource for that. The nursing home should definitely network with their local disaster organizations, like the Red Cross as well.

What I see needs to be improved is that people need to use these plans as a living document, and not just to meet federal and state regulatory requirements. Facilities need to practice with staff, and to really view these policies and procedures as not just more paperwork, but to protect the health and welfare of residents as well as staff.

My state is pretty good in that when there have been some major power outages due to weather issues, the state has called every licensed nursing home, residential care facility/assisted living facility, to ensure they are actively okay…..and able to function. In cases however, where the state may be down in power, that won’t always be the case. So nursing homes should not be solely relying on another agency to come and help them. The nursing home needs to be proactive in seeking and maintaining relationships with all community resources (as mentioned above), to ensure during a disaster………….the lives of residents and staff are not at risk.

Nursing homes, for example, cannot just "dump" residents off at a local shelter………..they must have staff there to assist them (medications, care needs, etc).

I have volunteered in a senior center, and I don’t recall the senior center having policies and procedures in place for an emergency. That is definitely a good idea though!