Four key Elements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Four key Elements - Essay Example The economic costs of the disaster was estimated to be more than $ 150 million since the disaster impacted in more than 90,000 square miles destroying property in Mississippi and Louisiana (Schneider, 2011). The key four elements of disaster response showed incapacity in addressing fire outbreaks, engaged in haphazard evacuation and inappropriate assembly points of the victims. The state and federal agencies lacked coordination and proper communication systems of identifying hazards and coordinating the response and recovery efforts after the disaster (Cooper & Block, 2007). Resources from state and federal agencies The state and federal agencies were not adequately prepared for the disaster since the collapse of man-made levees led to destruction of more than 90 percent of utility infrastructure and lethal pollution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacked adequate emergency response mechanism and proper chains of command. FEMA experienced multiple challenges including deployment of personnel, deployment of command system, poor communication and coordination of search and rescue efforts (Levitt & Whitaker, 2009). FEMA did not establish a joint field office and failed in assisting in the deployment of medical assistance teams. Both New Orleans office of Emergence Preparedness and Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LOSHEP) lacked enough personnel and experience in disaster management (Cooper & Block, 2007). New Orleans Police department was trapped in water thus making it difficult to provide communication and warning signs to the citizens. Existing laws also limited the Department of Defense authority is responding. The Departent of of Health and Human services (HHS) was slow in the response and coordination of public health services following the disaster. The department lacked enough personnel in the treatment of ill citizens, assuring citizens of the safety of food and environment (Levitt & Whitaker, 2009). First responders Most of the first responders were local citizens who just watched the disaster from rooftops and trees. The first responders failed to communicate or switch off the electricity. There was a breakdown in communication systems due to damage of the cell phone towers and radio antennas. The available police officers had to communicate on two radio channels thus delaying the issue of critical information (Levitt & Whitaker, 2009). Secondary emergency services Most of the secondary emergency services entailed National Guard troops and other secondary emergency response units such as NGOs like Red Cross contributed in the clean up and relocation of the victims (Schneider, 2011). The NGOs were instrumental in offering food reliefs, medication and shelter to the evacuated victims. Humanitarian organizations also provided blood donations, counseling services and logistical supplies. Private sector resources The private sector resources responded adequately to Hurricane Katrina. The private sector resources were utilized in all operations including evacuation, search and rescue, temporary shelters and medical response (Schneider, 2011). Private fire-fighting companies and security companies helped in evacuation, rescue and search missions. In addition, pharmaceutical companies assisted in providing cheap medicines (Levitt & Whitaker, 2009). Alternative actions that may result in positive outcomes In the future, the state and federal agencies must

Organizational Environments and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Environments and Culture - Essay Example As the paper outlines the headquarters of the Upstate New York Synod is in Syracuse, New York and the national headquarters of the ELCA is in Chicago, ILL. Mr. Gail has been in the organization for 17 years and has had his reverend position for 8 years. The structured interview provided several benefits in the course of the interview. This type of interview ensured efficient conducting of the interview because the questions available in the questionnaire provided a guide to how the interview questions were to be answered. This implied that in the report the questions asked and answered during the interview prevented deviation from the main topic of the interview. The benefit was having specific questions answered that were centered on the topic at hand. This study highlights that the reverend manages all the operations of this complex organization. His primary management task is the management of communication between the volunteers who are involved with implementing diverse set of programs. The tasks on a daily basis involve managing calendars, email, and public relations notices. These details are generated by the management of a collaborative process used in program development, and the mentoring of student leaders. On top of this, Mr. Gail’s position requires 50% of the financial resources necessary to run the organization, which involves management of annual and special campaigns, fundraising events including the management of a database for development efforts.