Abstract The paper presents an assessment of selected issue fronts concerning HurricaneKatrina, focusing on human and environmental issues. The paper discusses the ineffective response of government agencies, notably Homeland Security and FEMA. It also highlights the physical facts of a hurricane.
From the Paper "When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August and September the response of government agencies was ineffective and became politically controversial . The winds of the Category storm did great damage and the city's flood-control and energy ..."
Abstract This paper explores the factors that could have caused hurricaneKatrina and discusses if Katrina was predictable and the likelihood that New Orleans will be hit again. The paper examines this region in comparison to others that have a history of hurricanes and looks at whether the city should be rebuilt on its old location. The paper then discusses the measures that will make New Orleans safer if it is indeed rebuilt.
Outline:
Introduction: Predicting Disaster Should New Orleans Be rebuilt?
The Extent of Destruction and Future Guidelines
From the Paper "Past civilizations have always been under the threat of some form of natural disaster. For some we only know of them because of a particular disaster that swallowed up and preserved them, such as the well-known Pompei example in ancient Italy. But in modern times we have the good fortune of knowing a lot more about what causes certain natural disasters, and to this extent we can help prepare certain regions for what inevitably will come their way. Figuring out all the geographical relations that determine a particular region becomes very important, and many areas of science must mesh to convey the full information, statistical or otherwise, of what causes severe weather systems, and to what degree is the pattern predictable. Currently there is increasing concern surrounding the hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, and in general how we can prepare for an increase in tropical storms in this and other critical regions."
Abstract In this essay, the writer notes that the HurricaneKatrinadisaster will be discussed and debated for years, perhaps for a hundred years and more; and it can safely be assumed that an important part of the discussion will embrace the concepts of race and class. The writer maintains that one can easily imagine a sociology professor in the year 2025 pointing out that had a storm of such colossal intensity been approaching a city of mostly white, middle class and wealthy citizens, a different set of preparations and a wholly different outcome could be expected. This paper reviews and analyzes the social realities of New Orleans before and after Katrina's wrath, from several perspectives, including the theories of Karl Marx.
Outline:
Karl Marx
Katrina
From the Paper "When considering the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers reported years ago that the levees around New Orleans - much of which is below sea level - were not structurally safe, one has to also consider the class issues within the political structure of the United States; in other words, is New Orleans a place that would have a high priority in the ruling class of Washington D.C.? The answer is no. And so, the Army Corps of Engineers would be (and was) more committed to working on the Florida Everglades' multi-billion dollar project (the president's brother being the governor of Florida) than retrofitting the levees in a city that traditionally votes Democratic, and is largely African American. These points are raised because Marx doesn't specifically talk a lot about "race" per se, but he does make it clear that class struggles have to do with issues that in the case of New Orleans, are largely ethnic."
Abstract This paper discusses the people displaced by HurricaneKatrina It reviews government response at federal and local levels. The author contends that officials, notably FEMA, the Bush Administration and the New Orleans mayor did not sufficiently respond to the enormity of the disaster.
From the Paper "People displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina especially the poor are America's forgotten citizens. In a CNN report of November, Louisiana Governor, Kathleen Blanco, said: "We feel like we are citizens of the United States ..."
Abstract This paper examines the troubles confronting New Orleans tourist industry as it digs its way out of the rubble left behind by HurricaneKatrina. The paper briefly outlines the significance of the tourist industry to the community and also looks at the pros and cons of reconstituting the old New Orleans. Finally the paper briefly delineates a few things that the city can do to not only revive its tourist industry in the wake of a terrible tragedy but to also secure the return and or retention of middle class professionals.
From the Paper "Hurricane Katrina had a profound impact upon the city of New Orleans. Leaving aside momentarily the terrible loss of life and property, the natural disaster also greatly affected New Orleans' tourist industry, changing perhaps forever how many outsiders see the Louisiana metropolis. The following paper will examine New Orleans tourism before the tragedy and examine also the pros and cons of returning the city to its original state - at least from a tourist perspective. Finally, the paper will conclude with some recommendations for what New Orleans can do and should do if it wishes tourists to still frequent the city in the years to come."
Abstract This looks at seven different news sources from the months since HurricaneKatrina struck New Orleans. The paper describes these articles and explains the situations or explores how the media reacts to such events. The paper contends that the choice of the specific topic the news source chooses to convey reflects how the media relates to American society.
From the Paper "Different news agencies covering the same events allow readers to try to filter through the news media spectacle. Reading accounts of the same event over a period of time can let the reader compare and contrast the news media. One detail which the reader may notice is that there are differences between the focuses of each news account. One major event which occurred recently in the United States was the Hurricane Katrina, which lasted from August 23^rd to the 31^st. This major Category 5 hurricane affected the United States, especially New Orleans, in a variety of ways, and was covered closely by the news media. These news articles provide an account of Hurricane Katrina, how it affected the United States, and show news media differences. The earliest news articles printed about the hurricane striking New Orleans were highly dramatic, or showed many elements of the media ..."
Abstract This paper examines a model disasterplan for a small regional airport. The paper explains why the Federal Aviation Authority is encouraging travelers to use regional airports and discusses how important it is for even small facilities to have practical and working disasterplans. The author points this out in light of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The role of various staff members of the airport is highlighted in the paper. The paper includes an appendix of airport safety procedures.
Outline:
Abstract
Statement of Problem
Disasters Included/Excluded from Consideration
Rationale for Included/Excluded Disasters Personnel and Their Duties: Authority and Responsibility
Personnel Internal and Response Team
Interfaces to Persons both Internal and External to Your Operation
Response Plan and Procedures
Scenario of Events
Fire/Chemical/ Biohazard Threat or Spill
Weather or Natural Disaster Concerns
Regional Power Failure
Earthquake
Tornado
On-site Medical Emergency
In-Flight Emergencies
Terrorist Activity/Security Violations
Requirements for Response Team Activities
Communication and Documentation
References to Supporting Literature
Appendix 1 (recommendations of pre-flight responsibilities including legal and suggested by Willamette Aviation)
Pilot Responsibilities Checklist/ Violation of which will require review and potential suspension of flight privileges:
From the Paper "Disasters that are likely to occur include natural disasters such as regional, onsite or aircraft fires and or collisions, power failure, individual medical emergencies (including one or more people) floods, earthquakes, heavy winds and biochemical and or chemical hazards, such as spills are included as well as those that must be accounted for but are less likely to occur such as hijacking, terrorist attack and or infiltration or intentional biochemical or chemical attacks either originating at this airport or as an attack on it."
Abstract This case study analysis discusses the implementation of the National Response Plan (NRP) under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government in response to the disaster of HurricaneKatrina in 2005. The paper examines both the weaknesses and the strengths of the implementation of the NRP in New Orleans and Louisiana in August and September 2005. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future.
Table of Contents:
Project Summary
Size of the Project
Implementation Process
Environmental Setting
Leadership
Implementers
Beneficiaries
Communication
Evaluation of the Success of Implementation
Lessons Learned
Recommendations
General Conclusions
From the Paper "Given the political cost to President Bush in the wake of Katrina, the federal government seems to have decided that partnerships with local and state agencies are no longer effective. Instead of waiting for requests for assistance from state and local officials, the federal government has instituted policies that require proactive intervention by the federal government in the anticipation of any disaster. The implementation of disaster planning - pending further review of the role of FEMA - will be heavily militarized, with primary responsibility lying with Northcom; the U.S. Northern Command that was set up in the wake of 9-11 to deal with military crises on American soil. Thus, weeks after Hurricane Katrina, when Hurricane Wilma threatened Florida, President Bush overrode the wishes of his brother, the Governor of Florida, and made a three-star general the primary leader for implementation of the NRP in that case (Sylves 37). Thus, pending a radical revision of FEMA, the primary lesson learned from Katrina has been the necessity for proactive leadership over partnership, as exemplified by military command-and-control structures."
Abstract The paper looks at how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was criticized for the amount of the devastation caused by HurricaneKatrina, its lack of an evacuation plan and its poor response after the storm. The paper provides recommendations for the DHS and relates that the organization's lack of help for people to evacuate seems to be what most people see as the major failing of the DHS. The paper concludes that the pre-disaster response appears to be the area on which the department should focus.
From the Paper "It is no secret that many people believe the National Response Plan (NRP) failed drastically during and after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005. This plan was created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be implemented when just such a disaster occurred. The Department of Homeland Security is designed to protect the country against various threats. Most notably, though, it is designed to protect the United States from terrorism on American soil. This particular department was created after the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. It is a cabinet-level post and the need for it was seen after the attacks."
Abstract In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of HurricaneKatrina's impact on America. Specifically, the writer discusses the hurricane's impact on the environment. The writer notes that HurricaneKatrina's impact on New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and the nation is still being assessed. The writer points out that this was one of the nation's worst natural disasters and many survivors of Katrina have left the New Orleans area forever. The writer maintains that the long-term effects of the chemicals, oil spills, massive landfills and other environmental aspects of Katrina should be studied in order to learn how to protect our environment from disasters in the future. The writer concludes that the environmental impact of the storm will be felt for decades throughout the Gulf Coast.
From the Paper "One aspect of this chemical nightmare really did not get that much attention, but the oil spills from Katrina rivaled the oil spills of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, but they were not contained or cleaned up nearly as easily. Studies show there were at least 44 oil spills around the area, with two major spills, totally several million gallons each. After the Exxon Valdez disaster, it seems just about everyone knows the incredible damage an oil spill can do. Pictures of birds, fish, and other animals killed by spills are vivid reminders of how pervasive an oil spill can be. In this case, spills took place in neighborhoods, too, and that includes oil and other chemicals leaking from all the submerged cars. There was a sheen of oil all over the floodwaters of New Orleans, and most of it ended up in Lake Pontchartrain or the Gulf Coast. There were many wetlands devastated by the oil spills, and no one was allowed back into their communities until it had all been cleaned up, a process that sometimes took months or even years."
Abstract This paper discusses how HurricaneKatrina was the most financially devastating and deadliest hurricane in the history of the United States. In particular, it looks at how the nature of this natural disaster brought about one of the most complex and controversial disaster relief efforts in history and how the government spent billions in relief and organizations from local, state, and federal levels worked in unison with NGOs to attempt the recovery and help of Katrina victims.
From the Paper "Katrina victims can be loosely defined as any individual who suffered physical, financial and emotional harm from direct, storm related causes. Katrina victims range far and wide, although the majority of the focus are upon those in New Orleans, many victims also were evacuated from South Florida and Mississippi. The victims of Katrina receive strong attention on the national level for several reasons, one of the primary reasons being the disparity between racial dynamics in those victimized by the storm. The majority of victims appear to be poor minorities, especially those residing within inner city New Orleans. The racial disparity among Katrina victims was strongly noted by media commentators within the Superdome. "
Abstract This paper gives a critical review of Dyson's thesis on HurricaneKatrina. The author, whilst supporting the thesis, claims that Dyson points only to problems exposed by Katrina, offering little in the way of constructive action to work on America's prevailing racial and social inequities. The paper suggests that one could attempt to see this tragedy as an opportunity to increase racial awareness and highlight the various injustices that continue to surround society.
From the Paper "While I agree almost entirely with Michael Eric Dyson's overall theory on the racial politics of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath as outlined in his book Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster, along with my general agreement I find significant weaknesses within his arguments with which I would challenge Dyson. I have no objection to the claim that this tragic disaster served to expose the racial and socioeconomic inequities that continue to prevail today both in our society and the application of our government. Dyson certainly provides evidence to demonstrate that the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina were some of the poorest in the nation, encompassing a highly disproportionate number of African-Americans."
Abstract This paper discusses the implications of public relations regarding the Katrinadisaster for President George W. Bush and the Republican Party.
This is in light of the fact that the public approval of the president's handling of his job and personal favorability ratings have declined to low levels among American voters. The Bush administration's decisions on the War in Iraq are increasingly unpopular among voters, with low approval rates of the president's handling of the war and deep doubts about the value of the war in relation to costs. The president's ratings have sharply declined as a result of the president's handling of HurricaneKatrina. The paper concludes that voters are increasingly dissatisfied with Bush's presidency. It is therefore clear that the Bush administration will have to work long and hard to come up with new ideas for improving the president's image or face an unsuccessful second term.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Methodology and Data Collection
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
References
Appendices
From the Paper "In recent months, much of America's attention has been focused upon the tragedies associated with Hurricane Katrina's damage to Louisiana. Among the issues associated with the aftermath has been the performance of President George W. Bush and the federal government in responding to the catastrophe. Many national polls (Silverman, 2005, CBS News, 2005) have shown significant dissatisfaction with Bush's handling of the hurricane's damage."
Abstract The paper describes how HurricaneKatrina swept full-force through New Orleans during the latter part of 2005 and the city was tragically unprepared. The paper explains that this lack of preparation can be blamed on a variety of factors, but what has been most publicized is the slow response of the White House to the disaster. The paper demonstrates how President Bush appeared to have been oblivious to the nature of the crisis involved. The paper maintains that the government is more concerned with protecting its public image than with the actual alleviation of human suffering. The paper concludes that Katrina has taught some terrible lessons that will only carry weight if the government takes responsibility.
From the Paper "What is interesting about the ensuing debate regarding the government's attempts to remedy this discrepancy is that the most hotly contested issues are raging between the Republicans and the Democrats. The issue has therefore become a purely political one, rather than a social or infrastructure one. It appears that the issue of how to avert the mistakes in the future seems to have been clouded by political parties attempting to demonize each other for their failure to respond adequately to the disaster."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine' outlines the controversy behind capitalistic governmental actions taken in times of great need. The writer discusses that in her chapter "Disaster Apartheid: A World of Green Zones and Red Zones," Klein strongly critiques the handling of the HurricaneKatrinadisaster by the United States government. The writer points out that Klein's writing analyzes the individual mistreatments of the catastrophic situation and argues against the profit incentive procedures taken throughout the relief efforts. The writer maintains that although Naomi Klein's piece is very persuasive, she persuades unfairly through the use of misleading comparisons and one-sided claims that inaccurately inform the reader. The writer concludes that Naomi Klein's strong liberal and progressive ideas as a politically active journalist transform her informative piece to a misleading perspective on the United States government handling of disaster reconstruction.
From the Paper "Naomi Klein interprets the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe for the many flaws in the actions taken by the government in prevention, survival, and rehabilitation in New Orleans. She points out the lack of planning that allowed the effects of the hurricane to have impact of such magnitude while criticizing efforts made towards evacuation. Her writing argues the segregation of classes in New Orleans, allowing the middle and upper classes to drive to safety while the predominately black lower class was left helpless. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina show other mishandlings of the fragile situation by the government. Federal and state organizations distributed power amongst private, profit based, contracted companies and allowed for a shift towards profit incentive instead of rehabilitation. The destruction of homes, neighborhoods, and schools gave light for new gated communities and privately run boarding schools, while the poor were left nothing."
