New Orleans & Emergency Response Suggestions

Hurricane Katrina

Pray that the death toll from this natural disaster be lower than anticipated and residents overcome their current state of despair.

Had the Australian model of State Emergency Services been used in the United States of America, perhaps, just perhaps, the disaster may have been managed much more effectively and efficiently.

Each Australian State has an SES which is manned by local volunteers so that it is people who like doing what they do and are not recruited against their will or personality or abilities.

Equipment is funded by local people raising funds or by the State or a mixture of both.

South Australia, for example, funds the vehicles, boats and rescue equipment from a levy on vehicle registration fees.

Fire services are in two parts. Country fire Services and Metropolitan Fire Brigades which have distinct areas of responsibilites but who also co-operate to assist each other.

In a local disaster the local units, SES, CFS or Fire Brigades perform their functions under the supervision, if necessary, of State Police however if the disaster is widespread then the state Head Quarters takes control and the state disaster plans are implemented.

Reuters photo