The purpose of creating simulateddisaster events are to test the plans and procedures executed during a real emergency. It helps in the identification of strengths and weaknesses and gives emergency responders the chance to develop their skills and knowledge. It is an opportunity for the various stakeholders to meet and work together to improve coordination between responding agencies and practical testing of contingency plans.
Additionally, it enhances the ability of the community to respond to emergencies, assists in the identification of gaps in community preparedness, and builds confidence building for community members and other stakeholders.
The purpose of conducting the Hurricane simulated exercise was to help officials “develop joint response plans for a catastrophic hurricane in Louisiana” (Select Bipartisan Committee to investigate the preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina, 2006). It was a five–day exercise in which emergency officials from 50 states, federal and volunteer organization were to participate. The disaster exercise Hurricane Pam was well crafted, covering broad perspectives of possibilities, embodying a variety of “what if “ situations and incorporating a cross section of emergency officials and volunteers.
The exercise mirrored Hurricane Katrina which impacted New Orleansand had the execution of the simulation been complete the lessons learned could have been an invaluable asset to the responding agencies in dealing with Hurricane Katrina. The plans for Hurricane Pam was quite ambitious, and due to the far reaching areas to be simulated, it was not possible to complete all parts of the exercise to evaluate the effectiveness and determine lessons learned to implement in the preparation for Hurricane Katrina.
The Hurricane Pam exercise highlighted areas of focus not implemented in preparation for Hurricane Katrina as the local government failed to follow through on the development of comprehensive strategies and operational plans to manage particular areas of focus. Of significance was the lack shelter for the special needs population, the implementation of the incident command system, lack of adequate transportation and failure to anticipate the severity of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
While the responsibilities of FEMA was clearly identified in the simulated exercise this did not materialize during Hurricane. These areas of weaknesses were identified during the Hurricane Pam exercise and had the local government implemented the lessons learned may be the outcome would have been different. (Select Bipartisan Committee to investigate the preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina, (2006).
Reference
Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. (2006). A Failure Of Initiative: Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
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