Back-to-back hurricanes may leave the American Red Cross, local governments and other agencies stretched to the breaking point, says a Ball State University researcher.

Robert Schwartz, a geography professor, spent several days in late August studying how the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to Hurricane Charley, which caused billions of dollars in damages Aug. 13-14 when it rolled across Florida.

The research, funded by a Quick Response Grant from the Colorado-based Natural Hazards Center, focuses on Charlotte County, home of Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor and Port Charlotte. The area, which was listed earlier this year as Money Magazine's "best place to live in the south," is located on the southwest coast of Florida. 

"These agencies and local government units are doing a much better job in providing assistance to local residents than they did in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew," Schwartz said. "People are getting what they need much faster. It took weeks for power to be restored with Hurricane Andrew but only a few days with Charley."

Hurricane Charley caused losses now estimated at $6.8 billion, according to initial insurance claims. That would make it second only to Hurricane Andrew, the 1992 storm that caused inflation-adjusted losses of about $20 billion.

Florida took another pounding last weekend when Hurricane Frances hit the state Sept. 6. The estimated cost of damage is $3 billion, making it the fifth costliest hurricane in history. A third hurricane, Ivan, may be on the way to the state within the next few days.

"The resources of all the agencies may be stretched to their limits by Frances," he said. "Frances damaged many of the same areas that were struck by Charley. I don't know how much they can take."

Schwartz, who worked in Florida in the construction business before leaving in the  mid-1990s to seek advanced college degrees, believes that federal, state and local agencies learned many lessons from Hurricane Andrew.

"I also saw much less price gouging this time," Schwartz said. "In 1992, people were selling ice for $10 to $20 a bag, but with Charley the ice was free. This time authorities are watching for this type of behavior and working actively to stamp it out. Also, many volunteers are helping remove debris for free.

"Charley was a major disaster, but I think it brought out the best in people," he said. "Businesses and private citizens were handing out food and soft drinks. No one had to go hungry. Other people from around the state loaded up their vehicles and brought supplies down to communities that were badly hit."

Schwartz will continue his research into Florida's disaster response program in October when he makes a return trip to examine the recovery.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Schwartz at rmschwartz@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1761.)