Disaster Response For Hurricane Katrina

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Post Disaster Response for Hurricane Katrina
Government preparation efforts had been in the works for years prior to Hurricane Katrina striking the Gulf Coast. In fact a recent as 2004 a hurricane drill was hosted by FEMA simulating a disaster event rivaling that of Hurricane Katrina including the evisceration of the city in also a similar manner. This drill, otherwise known as the “Hurricane Pam” drill, caused enough of an effect to get additional funding for preventative measures.
Governor Kathy Blanco asked President George W. Bush to do likewise, as she declared a state of emergency. He acquiesced the next day. These got the ball rolling by enabling FEMA to acquire and disperse funds and equipment necessary as they saw fit. On August 29th, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, LA. The initial wave of first responders we a thousand workers from the Homeland of Security give assistance to New Orleans specifically. FEMA also encouraged no emergency personnel such as rescue units as well as firefighters engage in Katrina effected areas prior to being assembled and organized by local municipalities and the state. This proved to be a hindrance in the efforts to respond to the damage caused by and danger still impending from Hurricane Katrina. FEMA was also hesitant to allow private entities to assist. This of course added to the woes of the Superdome which was being used as a temporary housing for over twenty thousand people.
The government response was lackluster at best. The scenarios the government war gamed in order to prepare for mass destruction and disaster was not adequate enough to contain the unanticipated damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and failing levees. Once breached, the rescue and response to the...

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...nse of security for those that have returned home to New Orleans. It must be some significant piece of mind knowing that our government’s finest stand between these people and Mother Nature. If any entity could withstand the massive onslaught of desolation storms of this magnitude, our federal government can. The biggest shame in everything we have learned from the Post Katrina Disaster response could probably be summed up by saying having the government prepare on our behalf is most likely the best strategic move, as the resources and competence of our government knows no bounds when it comes to keeping people safe from natural disasters. If only our government could have been available throughout the history of time to prepare for, defend against, and repair from the many natural occurrences of disasters that seem to be ever increasing in our world. (Woodruff)

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