Examines the effects operational failures after hurricanes Agnes, Hugo, Andrew, and Katrina have had on America's disaster response program. This work also discusses the impact of 9/11 and the evolving role of the military, and identifies reforms that should be implemented to improve the nation's ability to respond in the future.

At the federal level, a single agency, FEMA - now under the Department of Homeland Security - has been charged with coordinating the activities of various federal agencies that have a role in disaster relief. A successful disaster response requires three things: timely and effective coordination between state and federal governments; effective coordination among the federal agencies; and effective coordination between and among state and local government agencies. Miskel, a former Deputy Assistant Associate Director of FEMA, examines the effects operational failures after hurricanes Agnes, Hugo, Andrew, and Katrina have had on America's disaster response program. He also discusses the impact of 9/11 and the evolving role of the military, and he identifies reforms that should be implemented to improve the nation's ability to respond in the future.