Disaster Relief and response

As degradation of our infrastructure continues, governments and citizens alike need to attempt to be prepared as possible. The article talks about poor responses for Katrina, and how many factors built up and made the operation a complete disaster. Although we cannot predict when these disasters will occur, we can make sure an organized and prepared force is ready for action. This preparedness also includes investing in prevention, including structures such as bridges and highways. These are crucial in transporting rescue forces and getting people away from the areas effected by the disaster. Usage of new technologies is another way to ensure the most effective response to a disaster. Global positioning, using computers to make maps of areas that need rescuing or can provide aid, and using computers for instant communication can all help reduce the impact of a problem that occurs. Another big part of an operation could be corporations, which have the resources to help the masses. Tide has been at the forefront, providing laundry services to those who are not able to wash clothes. Little things like this can come through in a big way, not only helping victims but ensuring that aid will be provided when a problem strikes. The government can also increase this cause by ensuring and allocating more money for organizations like FEMA, and maybe even giving organizations money for expansion, such as the Red Cross. The other concern is always energy, and providing basic necessities to those in a disaster. The article does a good job and shows that Mobile has solved the problem. The MPS (Mobile Power Station) uses wind turbines, solar power, microturbines, batteries, and plug ins to provide over 150 kilowatts constantily. This can be dropped from helicopters and will make providing for refugees a less complicated task.
--->Steve