Sitting on my hilltop in West London safe in the UK, I watched the BBC and ITN News coverage of the build up of the emergency evacuation plans for New Orleans and thought this is a text book example of both how it should be done and American organisational and operational capability at its best. Effectively the complete opposite of the situation that existed prior to the arrival of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when along with almost every Commentator I was scathing about the emergency plan and its implementation (see: Shock & Awe by Katrina ).
Disaster Planning on this scale with the co-ordination of so many agencies Federal, State, City and Parish is one of the most difficult and complex civilian tasks to undertake. But the 'acid test' of any plan however carefully constructed is when it has to be implemented and whilst I am sure in the careful analysis in the coming months there will be a few changes made and unfortunately some people with 'personal agendas' will highlight any shortfall, I have to say as an interested but uninvolved observer it was incredibly well done!
Every plan of this nature depends on effective Command & Control Communications and as this is only mentioned when it falls down, the implication is that it didn't and as Command Control is vital, I think those responsible should be lauded.
The 'sharp end' of any plan is those who's duty is to stay behind and British coverage at least, has not really touched on the courage of the Emergency Services, Police and National Guard who had to remain in the danger zone to protect the lives of those who would not be evacuated and guard property against those in any society see disaster as a criminal opportunity. I hope those in authority acknowledge their role.
In my article on Katrina I wrote:
After the ritual bloodletting in the political arena, hopefully wise men and women will learn and build on the lessons so painfully taught by Katrina. But in New Orleans it appears the problems encountered in the aftermath of the 1993 Floods were forgotten, so I cynically suspect will the lessons of Katrina by 2017.
Well Wise Men and Women did take the lessons of Katrina to heart and build a disaster plan that worked and hopefully they will continue to 'tweak', update and maintain the plan and the resources required, so that even if not required again in New Orleans until 2017 it will be ready and waiting to be implemented.
Related Articles in this Blog:
Disaster Planning on this scale with the co-ordination of so many agencies Federal, State, City and Parish is one of the most difficult and complex civilian tasks to undertake. But the 'acid test' of any plan however carefully constructed is when it has to be implemented and whilst I am sure in the careful analysis in the coming months there will be a few changes made and unfortunately some people with 'personal agendas' will highlight any shortfall, I have to say as an interested but uninvolved observer it was incredibly well done!
Every plan of this nature depends on effective Command & Control Communications and as this is only mentioned when it falls down, the implication is that it didn't and as Command Control is vital, I think those responsible should be lauded.
The 'sharp end' of any plan is those who's duty is to stay behind and British coverage at least, has not really touched on the courage of the Emergency Services, Police and National Guard who had to remain in the danger zone to protect the lives of those who would not be evacuated and guard property against those in any society see disaster as a criminal opportunity. I hope those in authority acknowledge their role.
In my article on Katrina I wrote:
After the ritual bloodletting in the political arena, hopefully wise men and women will learn and build on the lessons so painfully taught by Katrina. But in New Orleans it appears the problems encountered in the aftermath of the 1993 Floods were forgotten, so I cynically suspect will the lessons of Katrina by 2017.
Well Wise Men and Women did take the lessons of Katrina to heart and build a disaster plan that worked and hopefully they will continue to 'tweak', update and maintain the plan and the resources required, so that even if not required again in New Orleans until 2017 it will be ready and waiting to be implemented.
Related Articles in this Blog:
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