Lessons not learned before Katrina hit

The American Thinker ^ | 8 Sept 2005 | LTC Joseph C. Myers

[Barbarian6]

One lesson I thought we had learned from Hurricane Andrew is that after a major disaster, the local and even state governmental system can become rapidly overwhelmed and paralyzed. It is a near certainty that local government and police will be in a “not mission capable” status. Therefore the early entry of military forces with other state and local police forces marshaled into the destroyed zones is imperative...We fell short of this standard in New Orleans...Emergency management plans that work and have been tested [not just paper-drilled] must be in place...New Orleans is not the only city that is sited in a potential catastrophic natural disaster zone. We have cities built astride major earthquake fault lines, others in volcanic zones and of course others subject to terrorist targeting... As a nation we cannot gamble with the citizenry and rely on the vagaries of the leadership, planning and preparedness capabilities of local and state authorities...we require an integrated national planning system that mandates minimum planning and preparedness standards that are routinely inspected, revised, updated and exercised.

[EagleUSA]

I don't think it was so much an issue of "lessons learned" but one of incompetent and disfunctional bureaucracies not being held in any way accountable, for readiness and preparedness.

[EagleUSA]

I don't think it was so much an issue of "lessons learned" but one of incompetent and disfunctional bureaucracies not being held in any way accountable, for readiness and preparedness.

[Conspiracy Guy]

So you're proposing Federal Martial law be put in place without local consent?

[Jeff Head]

The people and supplies were available...but the state government has to request their specific use immediately. They didn;t...not for those missions. That was the failing here...all down the line IMHO.

HERE are the real lessons of Katrina IMHO.

[Frank_Discussion]

"As a nation we cannot gamble with the citizenry and rely on the vagaries of the leadership, planning and preparedness capabilities of local and state authorities...we require an integrated national planning system that mandates minimum planning and preparedness standards that are routinely inspected, revised, updated and exercised."

Another chap with ideas on how the Constitution should be in worker's paradise...

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

The link was great, thanks.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks and you are welcome. It was also posted on FR HERE and has had a really good discussion on that thread.

[Freedom is eternally right]

Emergency management plans that work and have been tested [not just paper-drilled] must be in place
LA did drill this, last year. It was called Hurricane Pam and they identified areas that needed improvements. Info about Hurricane Pam exercise
LSU has a hurricane department that has written papers based on the outcome of this drill (estimated around 60,000 deaths).

[Barbarian6]

Yes it appears they did, but under duress; did not utilize public transportation assets then and did not make corrections today apparently...that's paper drilling your emergency plans if you do not learn lessons and make corrections.

[Barbarian6]

I don't thinks so...I recommend reading the full article. What he suggests that follows is that national, state and local level preparedness plans have to be integrated and evaluated for sufficiency and be executable to the standards set. State and local leaders need training in crisis response and management, not winging it on the job...we don't elect generals to fight wars we train them...these decision makers likewise need more systematic training as well.

[GOP_1900AD]

Truer words have not been written ...

[Jeff Head]

I also posted it as a thread on FR, HERE. Had a really good discussion.

Now, if you really want to get upset...READ THIS

[Frank_Discussion]

I understand what the author is getting at, but it doesn't seem constitutional to impose Federal regulations on State responsibilities.

[DallasMike]

Fellow Freepers:

At the suggestion of writer Michelle Malkin last Friday, I have cobbled together a blogsite called Texas Clearinghouse for Katrina Aid to serve as a clearinghouse for refugee efforts in Texas.

Texas is getting more refugees than any other state -- that's fine, we'll take them all -- but we need help providing them with food, clothing, medicine, and shelter. We need help taking care of their pets, too.

If you are a refugee, you can information that will help you find relief. If you want to donate or volunteer, you can find someone who needs you. Believe me, there are a lot of organizations who need your help.

Right now the site mostly covers Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas but I'm adding more every night. My wife was down at Reunion Arena in Dallas Tuesday handing out care packages and spiritually ministering to the refugees as a representative of her employer. She says that the situation is tragic and that there's a lot of work to be done. There are so many children who don't know where their parents are or even if their parents are still alive.

There are a lot of churches and other organizations in Texas that need help in dealing with the problem and I would appreciate it if you would get the word out.

Many thanks,

Michael McCullough

Stingray blogsite