According to an article found in the Washington Post, the proposed changes would create a fulltime response force of 1,500 and expanding 10 regional offices (Hsu). The changes to the Agency bring into question whether or not the agency should remain a response agency with a small workforce that has the primary responsibility of processing disaster claims and providing assistance in times of emergency or should FEMA be expanded to an agency that has the capacity to take charge whenever it is required.
According to the article the proposed changes which also include improving vendor databases, adding reconnaissance teams, and strengthening claims management are only the beginning of what needs to be changed to ensure that the agency operates more efficiently (Hsu). The article also asserts that a cultural change must occur as it relates to the way the agency manages and responds to crisis (Hsu).
There have also been some changes at the local level that involve an increased level of emergency preparedness. The issues that New Orleans faced as a result of not being prepared for such a disaster caused many localities to re-examine their emergency management plans. In doing so many cities have developed new evacuation plans and routes so that people will have the capacity to leave of a mandatory evacuation is declared. Such a plan would have benefited New Orleans greatly and saved many lives that were lost as a result of the lack of preparation.
Conclusion
The purpose of this discussion was to analyze some of the lessons learned and changes implemented in the field of emergency management as a result of the impact of Hurricane Andrew on Florida and Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita on the Gulf Coast. The research found that emergency management systems at the local, state and federal levels failed during the aforementioned disasters. The lessons learned from these disasters include the strategic positioning of emergency resources, proper emergency housing, and greater accountability. It is still unclear whether or not thee changes will be implemented or assist in improving the functionality of emergency management at...
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