I am glad that the mortality count is relatively low so far.

There has been much talk on the radio as it pertains to "what should we have done better?" In this weather event.

I believe the consensus points were as follows:

- It is unlikely that all 6 million+ residents could successfully evacuate in any reasonable amount of time

- The entire Houston area (city proper and associated suburbs/townships) do not need to evacuate

- It is unreasonable to assume that surrounding area(s) could absorb that many additional people for any amount of extended time

- The perils of wind are greater along the coastal towns than further inland

- The peril of storm surge carries greatest potential for loss of life due to rapid water level rise

- The peril of "freshwater flooding" is more gradual and while less of a threat for loss of life (initially), there is greater threat of folks being stranded for extended periods

With those points in mind:

- Better information on what areas are likely to flood, and greater notification of residents in those areas (geo-targeted text messaging has potential --- "Get the F out" from emergency mgmt.)

- Review of evacuation plans for those residents with special needs (medical, special needs, those lacking transportation)

- Phased evacuation notices (coastal first, high flood risk next, etc)

And the biggest improvement would be that residents themselves take more responsibility in their own outcome. The information on the storm's approach and it's potential for flooding/surge was well documented.