We must learn from our mistakes, but also our successes.
There is no denying that government at all levels underprepared for the storm and mounted an inadequate response, leaving too many in need and too many challenges unmet. Out of the devastation, however, are inspiring stories of Americans at their best, many of them federal government employees. These are stories of government officials who responded quickly and effectively to help citizens in dire need. To learn all the lessons of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, we must see the whole picture – the good and the bad – and figure out how to emulate the best aspects of the response in the future while avoiding the worst.
Without question, one key theme appears from all the success stories: employees must be trained and then empowered to make decisions in the field. The Coast Guard performed well after Katrina because Coast Guard personnel are trained throughout their careers to make critical decisions under often dire circumstances. We must invest in creating a top-notch federal workforce that is able and empowered to innovate during crises.
Without question, one key theme appears from all the success stories: employees must be trained and then empowered to make decisions in the field. The Coast Guard performed well after Katrina because Coast Guard personnel are trained throughout their careers to make critical decisions under often dire circumstances. We must invest in creating a top-notch federal workforce that is able and empowered to innovate during crises.
Comments
Why not form a core group of say, 30 or 40 emergency responders who, as first responders certainly did and saw much, and seek comments from them as to what were our successes and failures?
Of course, we had some distinguished successes such as the US Coast Guard who stood up and stood out, and thanks to them, our circumstances were improved greatly. They operated outside of the 'rules' because, quite frankly, there weren't any rules since we had never encountered storm effects like this in a long time.
We should seek out people who were on scene immediately after the storm (to include US Coast Guard, local ems, fire and police, state police, FEMA Task Force Teams, etc., and find out firsthand what our successes and failures were. I am sure they could illuminate more vividly than others who weren't actually on scene.
Posted by: Tommy Erickson | August 25, 2006 08:02 PM
I agree - the Coast Guard was awesome during the Katrina response. I believe their success was due to the fact that they are experienced leaders with a position of authority in the federal sector. The Coast Guard doesn't just patrol waterways. They are a well-versed, highly technical organization that has the advantage of years of experience operating within militaristic command systems. Unfortunately, the massive beauracracy created in our government stalls and confounds operations, communications, and the ability to act quickly.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 26, 2006 11:12 AM
The Coast Guard was a shining star in the Katrina response. However, let's not forget all of the firefighters and law enforcement officers who were there. These people responded when asked, they worked double and triple shifts, and they didn't complain. While many of our responders were heroes, many more sat - underutilized - in hotels waiting to be activated in an overwhelmed and discombobulated system.
Posted by: Professional Firefighter | August 26, 2006 11:40 AM