Lessons of Disaster

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?" Events like September 11 and Hurricane Katrina have certainly heightened awareness about problems-particularly gaps in preparation-that might have contributed to or worsened the disasters. 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 similar threat looms, and that our government will put in place measures to protect us.

Thomas A. Birkland is an associate professor of public administration and policy and the director of the Center for Policy Research at the University at Albany, SUNY