Risk-informed Planning Prior to Hurricane Katrina Risk-informed planning helps emergency planners produce unified plans with all levels of government, localities, and private sectors. Moreover, it can potentially help government officials balance the nation’s fiscal responsibilities with preparation for catastrophes. With more urban disasters expected in the future, it makes sense for planners to develop and maintain viable plans to prepare for severe natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. This paper identifies a pre-hurricane risk in New Orleans that affects those of the lower socio-economic standing and ethnic minority communities. Additionally, it reviews the priorities for physical protection and discusses a mitigation strategy to protect or reduce vulnerabilities of these social groups. Background Louisiana continues to face an ongoing problem during many natural disasters, being unprepared to provide for the needs of the most vulnerable populations on its own (Zoraster, 2010). Addressing the needs of those without much property and money continues to be a problem during emergency planning. A major risk is …show more content…
Once risks are determined, the next step is to prioritize physical protection associated with assets or social groups to reduce vulnerability. This is determined based on critical and vulnerable factors. In the lower wards of New Orleans, physical environments and older homes are not with security in mind. The first priority is of physical protection is to provide adequate warning through any means necessary. Secondly, ensure that residents are safe, especially those in special needs communities (Fagel, 2011. Emergency planners must provide protection for critical community assets by activating flood barriers and protection systems (Fagel, 2011). Moreover, working closely with law enforcement, fire departments, and community emergency response teams will ensure that law and order is in place during