Lessons of disaster: policy change after catastrophic events

In: American governance and public policy series

Abstract

Even before the wreckage of a disaster is cleared, one question is foremost in the minds of the public: What can be done to prevent this from happening again? Today, news media and policymakers often invoke the lessons of September 11 and the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. Certainly, these unexpected events heightened awareness about problems that might have contributed to or worsened the disasters, particularly about gaps in preparation. Inquiries and investigations are made that claim that lessons were learned from a disaster, leading us to assume that we will be more ready the next time a si