Federalism Katrina and FEMA

FEMA

FEMA

by Molly Lemon -
Number of replies: 1

1) What role did the National, State and Local Governments have in preventing, mitigating and reacting to Hurricane Katrina?

The National State and Local government really dropped the ball when it came to preventing mitigating and reacting to Hurricane Katrina.The Local and State Government called for aid from National Government but no one was prepared. They are suppose to have a plan in place help people get out of the city quickly but no plan was ever put in place. People were told to leave but they were told to late and many people couldnt get out in time. Well the storm was going on they had no source of communication because everything was flooded. It was one mistake after another.  After the storm was over it took days for aid. People were starving, and werent even provided the main things they needed. All there mistakes caused many people to loss there life.

2) Evaluate how each level of government performed its duties. Be specific and back up your points with facts and logic.

Local: Needed to prepare the people for what was ahead and start evactuaion. They weren't even prepared themselves so how could they prepare the people. They started evactuation to late and didn't use the buses they had to help people get out.

State: To me it seemed like the state was barely involved. They just stood by and complained. They didn't have as good communication with the Federal Government as they should have, and when things didnt get done right away they gave up.

Federal: The Federal Government took WAY TO LONG to responed. When FEMA got there they were not well prepared. They acted like they didn't really know what was going on, even though there is records of what the Local and State Government had asked for. Later on FEMA would lie to try and cover up there mistakes.

3) After reading the "FEMA and federalism" article, take a stand about the role of the federal government in natural disasters.

I think that FEMA and the federal government should take place in major disastors. They should send aid when it is too much for the Local and State Government to handle. Events that effect massive amounts of people. FEMA should not be responsible for minor problems.

In reply to Molly Lemon

Re: FEMA

by Leah Jaber -
I agree that the National Gov, and State are supposed to have a plan in case of natural disaster