Preparing for the next disaster
It was only two years ago when Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast and the city of New Orleans, in particular. What began as an innocent tropical depression east of the Bahamas ultimately swelled into the deadliest U.S. hurricane in 77 years and the costliest natural disaster in our nation’s history. Katrina claimed more than 1,800 lives (nearly 1,600 in Louisiana alone) and left behind $81.2 billion in damage throughout the Gulf Region. In the end, federal disaster declarations covered more than 90,000 square miles, an area roughly equal to the size of the United Kingdom.
Perhaps even more horrifying than the cyclone itself was the widespread failure of the federal, state and local response to the catastrophe. Study after study conducted by emergency management officials and the National Weather Service had predicted the potential for widespread devastation and loss of life from a storm scenario eerily similar to what played out with Katrina. However, gross mismanagement and lack of leadership at all levels of government both prevented some necessary precautions from being put in place prior to the storm and hindered emergency response efforts in its aftermath.
Needless to say, the destruction brought by Katrina thrust the issue of emergency management into the forefront of national debate. State and local governments across the nation soon pondered whether or not their emergency response plans could handle a Katrina-like disaster in their own backyards. Government officials coast-to-coast went back to the drawing board to ponder hypothetical doomsday scenarios and craft new plans for preparedness and relief.
Of course, the commonwealth wasted no time in amending its statewide emergency management plans put in place after 9/11. The state quickly moved to establish a “Fusion Center” that works to facilitate 24-hour statewide information sharing among local, state and federal public safety agencies — a common problem during Katrina. Then, Massachusetts officials strengthened the leadership role of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the commonwealth of Massachusetts — another inadequacy of the Katrina response. As of last year, we were one of only eight states to have earned a national emergency response accreditation from the federal government.
Still, our work is not done. Last week, Gov. Deval Patrick made public his intentions to work hand-in-hand with the Legislature to further improve the commonwealth’s disaster response plans. Among the needs cited in the new proposal are a coordinated traffic/evacuation plan and the establishment of several large-scale evacuation centers. Accordingly, the State Police would be charged with overseeing the large-scale movement of traffic with local cities and towns, and the state government will make plans for three large evacuation centers to be scattered across the state. Most importantly, a task force will oversee 10 conferences at which agencies can develop and coordinate plans to deal with vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, during evacuations.
The rollout of the new plan just happens to coincide with the observance of National Preparedness Month this September, during which the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. For the first time, the national effort will focus on different areas of Emergency Preparedness including, Back to School, Business Preparedness, Multicultural Preparedness, and Home and Family Preparedness.
More information on the governor’s plan is expected in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, individuals and families are asked to take the following three steps posted online at www.ready.gov:
1) Assemble a Kit: An ‘All-Hazards’ Family Disaster Kit to sustain your family for 3-5 days, if homebound without power.)
2) Develop a Plan: A Family Communication Plan, with a contact located outside the area; also designate two ‘family reunion’ locations — one within your community, one outside your community.)
3) Be Informed: Learn about your community’s Emergency Alert Systems, potential vulnerabilities, evacuation routes and shelters; also, learn about the emergency plans for your child’s school and your workplace.
Beyond the headlines touting disappointment, disorganization and death in the Katrina aftermath lurk many lesser-known tales of compassion, conquest and courage. Residents in upstate Louisiana speak of a hillbilly sheriff who took the reigns of leadership when government officials systematically failed guide an effective emergency response. The president honored members of the Coast Guard, who rescued more than 35,000 of the estimated 60,000 people stranded in New Orleans. And, many storm victims maintain that they would have never lived through the disaster were it not for a “volunteer army” dispatched by Mormon Church.
Indeed, Katrina taught everyone lessons on both what and what not to do during an emergency or natural disaster. While we cannot predict when the next hurricane, flood or blizzard might devastate New England, we can at least take the necessary precautions to better prepare ourselves on how to handle its arrival. Gov. Patrick’s new recommendations are part of a fluid strategy to continuously assess and improve our emergency management plans right here at home. With National Preparedness Month upon us, there is perhaps no better time than the relative tranquility of today to make sure that you too are prepared for the disaster of tomorrow.
Source: http://www.townonline.com/stoneham/opinion/x1185661429
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