"[The report reviews] FEMA's activities in response to Hurricane Katrina, which details FEMA's responsibilities for three of the four major phases of disaster management - preparedness, response, and recovery - during the first five weeks of the federal response. In addition, [the contributors] evaluated FEMA's preparedness and readiness efforts over the past ten years to determine its organizational capability and posture prior to Hurricane Katrina"--Executive summary.

This report by the Dept. of Homeland Security Office of Inspector Gen. (OIG) assesses FEMA's performance as it conducted its disaster management responsibilities in response to Hurricane Katrina. It examines whether the laws, regulations, policies, procedures, plans, guidelines, & resources were adequate & operational, & whether FEMA's organizational structure enhanced or hindered its emergency management capabilities. Contents: Background; Results of Review; Difficulty Adapting to New Response Plans; FEMA Provided Record Levels of Support but Delivery Structure Needs Improvement; FEMA Needs to Improve Readiness; Future Considerations; management Comments & OIG Analysis. Tables & graphs.

A Performance Review of FEMA's Disaster Management Activities in Response to Hurricane Katrina

This report assesses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) performance as it conducted its disaster management responsibilities in response to Hurricane Katrina. The report examines whether the laws, regulations, policies, procedures, plans, guidelines, and resources were adequate and operational, and whether FEMA's organizational structure enhanced or hindered its emergency management capabilities. The report includes 38 recommendations to the Director of FEMA, Under Secretary for Preparedness, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs, and Director of the Office of Operations Coordination.