Development of long-term recovery plan following a disaster is an essential and complicated process. Communities affected by a disaster need to measure its impact before formulating a plan. The preparation can last for several months since it needs enormous resources. Hurricane Katrina remains the most destructive natural disaster in United States' history. It affected several areas in the country (Pratt, 2016). Communities in New Orleans city were the most affected. The city is located along Mississippi River. Hurricanes and flooding are major sources of disasters. New Orleans has been affected by other hazards such as drinking water pollution and yellow fever. In two thousand and five, the Hurricane Katrina hit it. New Orleans community struggled to recover from the disaster. This is due to poor disaster recovery plans. This paper prepares a short and long-term disaster recovery plan for the community.
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina remains the most destructive disaster in U.S history. Its effects were felt even before it reached the Gulf Coast. It affected approximately one hundred and ninety-three square miles. Hurricane Katrina’s storm and winds affected various businesses, homes, and property along the coast (Seidman, 2013). It overwhelmed constructed levees along the Mississippi River. Consequences were dire for the New Orleans city that sits below sea level. Almost eighty percent of the surrounding places were flooded.
The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina were also felt in major United States cities. It destroyed approximately three hundred thousand homes. Its effect on the economy was enormous. Short-term effects included an increase in the prices of gasoline. Additionally, it affected employment rates in various cities. It led to the mortality of approximately one thousand, three hundred and thirty people. Most of the fatalities were from New Orleans city. Nearly seven hundred and seventy thousand individuals were displaced (Seidman, 2013). Destructive effects of Hurricane Katrina necessitate the formulation of an effective disaster recovery plan.
Components of Current Mitigation Plans
Mitigation strategies are essential in reducing hurricane risk to people, property, as well as the ecosystem. New Orleans current mitigation plans involve measures aimed at vulnerability reduction. New Orleans' vulnerability arises from the city's location (Pratt, 2016). Therefore, it is necessary to have sound mitigation measures. Plans can assist communities in integrating better mitigation activities within their built and natural environments. This is done through structural hardening, land use planning, public education, and environmental restoration. These mitigation measures require community participation. They can lead to the creation of a more sustainable New Orleans.
The prompt provision of sheltering and evacuation services is essential in protecting affected individuals. This involves the movement of people from life-threatening areas and vulnerable structures. This could be done through enhancement of hazard mappings, coastal roads improvements, and protection. Additionally, the utilization of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), refined evacuation, as well as volunteer training is essential. It is vital to provide public education and outreach for the protection of New Orleans community.
The plan also offers a strategy for upgrading available evacuation routes. Besides, improvement in drainage, access management, and refined demands for evacuation assists in mitigation. Training of volunteers and residents of the city is important in reducing effects of a disaster. The government is mandated to ensure control devices and roadways are maintained. This ensures a smooth operation of various stakeholders during the evacuation.
Potential Areas Requiring Evacuation and Sheltering
Hurricane Katrina led to the displacement of several people. This required a solution for immediate and adequate shelter. New Orleans was overwhelmed with a great number of homeless individuals (Pratt, 2016). The state government was poorly prepared. They had little ideas about temporary housing and food provision. Various last resort shelters such as the Superdome had limited capacity. It could not accommodate a large number of affected individuals. A need exists to construct additional last resort shelters. The Louisiana Superdome is not sufficient in case another Hurricane Katrina occurs. Moreover, the state government has provided funds for temporary shelters during disasters.
People with special needs were profoundly affected by Hurricane Katrina. During such disasters, a need for special shelters often arises. These people often have serious conditions requiring medical attention (FEMA, 2011). The needs of special populations are not similar. Therefore, a needs assessment should be conducted. Following the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina, ten special needs tents were established. These were not adequate for all special evacuees. It is crucial for recovery plans to ensure proper construction of individual shelters.
Volunteers play a significant role during disasters. Involving them in the provision of emergency services is crucial. During Hurricane Katrina, the Volunteers of America (VOA) were mobilized to assist various professionals. Moreover, they helped affected individuals in the construction of temporary shelters. The community-based volunteers provide additional workforce during disaster response. Having a pool of volunteers for easy mobilization is vital. For instance, mobilizing volunteers of America is easier due to their communication strategies.
Sources of Funding for Response and Recovery
Response and recovery involve expensive activities that require adequate funding. In the United States, various options for funding exist. When the president declares a disaster in a given state, it becomes eligible for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grants. This is a cost-sharing deal that requires states to contribute twenty-five percent of the total cost. However, in certain cases, a waiver is offered. Additionally, Disaster Emergency Fund (DEF) for the states can be a source of funding. When a disaster occurs, the DEF is used in mitigation and response. When it is exhausted, the federal government provides funding assistance. Moreover, states can borrow from investors outside their jurisdictions. This arrangement for additional funding is highlighted in the Tax Reform Act (TRA) of 1986.
Engaging Local Businesses
Local businesses are critical stakeholders in pre-and-post disaster activities. The public and private sectors should be involved in disaster planning, response, mitigation, as well as recovery. The private businesses can assist in financing recovery activities. Additionally, companies that operate post disasters aid in recovery (Restore Your Economy, 2016). This is done through re-employment of the affected individuals. Insurance companies have a direct role in recovery efforts. The compensation offered following a disaster is crucial to recovery. Moreover, other businesses often collaborate with community organizations to support families and households.
Volunteer Organizations in New Orleans
Response and recovery activities in New Orleans received a massive boost from volunteers. Various organizations donated volunteers to assist the affected individuals. Some of the organizations include Volunteers of America, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Community Action Partnership (CAP). These organizations donated volunteers, shelter, food, and emergency medical services. Qualification for assistance centers on some basic requirements (American Red Cross, 2015). For instance, the American Red Cross must establish a need for support before responding. Therefore, it must be proven that the affected families and states are unable to protect themselves. In approximately twenty minutes, Red Cross officials can determine the need for assistance. It responds through the provision of clothing, food, financial, and medical support.
Short-term Recovery Expectations
Short-term recovery involves actions taken to provide immediate and essential needs following a disaster. They begin during an emergency response phase. An overview of damage assessment is conducted to assist in determining community needs (FEMA, 2011). It is expected that short-term recovery activities assist local governments in restoring vital services. Critical infrastructure restoration is often a priority for responders. Restoration of power, portable water, telecommunications, and waste collection services are important short-term expectations.
Long-term Expectations
The primary long-term goal of disaster recovery is to assist affected individuals in getting back their normal lives. This is achieved through a holistic addressing of various needs. Communities often try to restore and rebuild essential services. The governments, volunteers’ organizations, and communities must develop realistic recovery expectations. This can reduce pressure on various stakeholders. However, long-term goals should be sustainable.
Challenges during Disaster Recovery
Communities face particular difficulties during the recovery process. These challenges range from technological problems to inadequate resources. Disaster response and recovery entail expensive activities. An affected community may not have adequate resources to conduct particular recovery activities. Moreover, inadequate technological advances and communication networks often affect short-term recovery. It is crucial for organizations to assist communities during recovery. This can be done through direct financial aid, provision of medical supplies, water, and communication networks.
Conclusion
Disaster recovery is a crucial component following hazardous occurrences. Recovery plan acts as a guide to stakeholders (FEMA, 2011). It defines various activities necessary for a successful recovery process. Additionally, it offers opportunities to volunteer organizations, as well as local businesses a chance to participate in the recovery. It also gives an overview of problems expected and various techniques for tackling them.
References
American Red Cross. (2015, December 9). Red Cross Streamlines Disaster Financial Help Process. Retrieved from American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Streamlines-Disaster-Financial-Help-Process
FEMA. (2011, Septemeber). National Disaster Recovery Framework. Retrieved from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): https://www.fema.gov/pdf/recoveryframework/ndrf.pdf
Pratt, M. K. (2016). Hurricane Katrina and the Flooding of New Orleans: A Cause-and-Effect Investigation. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications.
Restore Your Economy. (2016). Engaging the Business Community in Disaster Preparedness. Retrieved from Restore Your Economy: http://restoreyoureconomy.org/preparedness/preparation-activites/business-community-engagement/
Seidman, K. F. (2013). Coming Home to New Orleans: Neighborhood Rebuilding After Katrina. Oxford: OUP Oxford.
