Some reflections after three days of continuous television and social media coverage of the flood of 2010:

To Gov. Bredesen -- Thanks for your leadership. Nashville could use every bit of it right now.

To Mayor Dean -- A+ on the response. You were visible, struck the right tone, and managed the communications well. Please remember that crises are ultimately defined by the recovery. Lots and lots of work to do.

To all fire/police/EMS/911/OEM -- You are the best.  

To affected Nashville businesses -- Hold your head high whether you are Joe's Crab Shack or Gaylord Opryland. You're part of a community with strong character and even stronger faith. We will support your rebirth.

To Nashville media -- The coverage was outstanding. Few people realize how hard it is to do live television for 12-14 hours at a time. We have the utmost respect for the photographers and reporters who risked personal safety to bring us the stories.

To Nashvillest -- Your Twitter updates were a lifeline for many of us without power.

To Belmont University -- Thanks for volunteering to house the OEM Joint Information Center. It's that type of cooperation and foresight that inspires confidence in Nashville's future.

To Corps of Engineers -- We don't envy the decisions you had to make these last few day about opening dams. Let's hope the worst is past.

To Mother Nature -- It was a beautiful spring until Saturday. Now, please, please, please cut Nashville a break with this weekend's rain.

To the national media -- How y'all doin'?

P.S.

To Jon Stewart -- Thank you. You're welcome back any time.

About the Author

Brannan Atkinson, APR, is president of Atkinson Public Relations.

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