Discussion about FEMA and Hurricane Katrina
The devastation and failures before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina forced Congress to make a series of reforms. Many groups designated as special populations were at the most risk during the superstorm.
Based on this calamity, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA) mandated that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Administrators identify gaps in the region concerning the needs of special populations.
There are many groups the federal government considers to be special populations. These groups include, but are not limited to:
• Children
• Persons living in institutionalized settings
• Limited English proficiency citizens
• Non-English-speaking citizens
• People with intellectual disabilities
• Deaf community
• Elderly
• Transportation disadvantaged
For this Discussion, consider whether post-Katrina reforms in emergency management policy adequately address emergency and disaster relief for special populations.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post a brief explanation of whether post-Katrina reforms in emergency management policy effectively address emergency and disaster relief for special populations. Explain why or why not, and support your response with references to the Learning Resources.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.