| Inside
Katrina (and Rita) Aftermath
After several weeks and almost continuous news coverage, many of us have felt the suffering inflicted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. With the still
mounting death toll and the widespread devastation, the combined effects of these storms rank among the most deadly and severe in U.S. history.
Some have suggested that certain emergency plans
and even the overall contingency planning for such storm events were inadequate. Technical problems, such as a lack of coordination among emergency responders, a lack of compatible communications systems, and lack of backup power and essential services hampered response efforts during the critical hours following the storm incidents.
Others have suggested that the problem has been compounding for decades and blame the loss of wetlands and the resulting coastal erosion for the
devastation. For example, in his book entitled Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast, author Mike Tidwell foretold of the forthcoming catastrophic consequences. In 2003, when the book was published, Tidwell clearly stated that New Orleans was an endangered city because of the loss of coastal buffer areas.
Logistics were also a key factor as a large segment of the affected population was unable or unwilling to evacuate ahead of the storms. This despite the ability of modern technology to issue early and poignant warnings and our knowledge that the coastal areas, including the sub-sea level New Orleans, wereclearly vulnerable to such an intense (Category 5) hurricane.
In addition to the property damage and the toll on human lives and suffering, the environmental effects of these storms will be felt for some time. For example, due to the flooding, toxic materials were released. As the waters receded, the toxic residues and other contamination were left on soils and surfaces. Other issues, such as mold growth due to the wet building materials and warm moist conditions, may pose health and safety risks and can possibly prevent many former residents from returning to their homes and places of business.
Also, the water systems, sewage systems and drainage have been compromised in many areas that were struck by the storms. In New Orleans, raw sewage
spilled into the flood waters, water pipes ruptured, and drainage systems do not function.
Many will now be asking themselves whether they
are truly prepared for their own “Katrina” scenario. Giving the appropriate plans a “reality check” can be beneficial and may save lives and minimize damages during an actual devastating event. If we increase our own preparedness and learn the appropriate lessons from Katrina, then perhaps something positive can result from these terrible storms.
Interested in a review of your emergency management systems and procedures—or possibly some refresher training?
Please call OMNI Professional
800-951-7625
Continue to Page 2 |
