Katrina was the first major test of a national emergency response system developed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Why did all levels of government fail the test, and what needs to be done? With increasing threats of natural and man-made disasters, everyone has a stake in whether government acts on the lessons of Katrina. But Katrina also demonstrated the importance of personal responsibility in preparing for disasters.
Arthur Adelberg, Senior Counsel to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security for the Special Investigation of Hurricane Katrina from 2005 to 2006, will discuss lessons learned from Katrina as part of Carlisle's community read of Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers. Adelberg co-authored the Committee's Report, "Hurricane Katrina: A Nation Still Unprepared," which led to reforms in the nation's emergency response operations. A panel discussion with Beth Daley, environmental journalist for the Boston Globe; David Campbell of Carlisle, executive director of All Hands Volunteers; and Carlisle Fire Chief David Flannery will follow in a discussion of how we can prepare for and respond to disasters.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Library; free and open to the public. Registration suggested - call 978-369-4898. Panel discussion will be held at Union Hall, First Religious Society, Carlisle.