The events of Katrina are indeed truly devastating. Sadly the entire system failed first on individual preparedness (vast generalization), then the local government, then the state and then at the federal level. I'm not sure how one could every really recover from that. But with that being said, I hope that we have learned one thing - and that is that no one is immune to dissasters.

I am big into emergency prepardeness. I know that when (not if) a natural disaster strikes in my area, others, not just me will be impacted. Therefore, I will need to be prepared to care for myself, not just for a day or two but longer. We need to take our total reliance and expectation for safety off the government and put it where it more reasonably belong on our shoulders. Sure, the government does need to play a roll. But when a devastating disaster occurs beyond anything that can ever be predicted, the need far outweighs availability of support and so it takes time. If I can't get out, if I've been impacted, can I really think that someone can swoop in to save me and the millions of others in just a matter of moments. Of course one can never prepare for everything (as Katrina showed us) but devasation can be minimalized and help more immediate if the community is properly trained and prepared.

If anyone is interested in what you can do to prepare to help in times of natural disasters and to teach you what needs to be done, look into Community Emergency Resonse Team (CERT) classes offered in your communities. I know in my area many of the city governments offer them for free. I have see them in other states for about $20 a session - but definitely worth while. Just my thoughts.