Study: U.S. Not Ready For Disasters

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/16/national/main1720146.shtml

Study: U.S. Not Ready For Disasters
Homeland Security Says Most Of U.S. Still Unprepared For Catastrophes

(AP) Nearly five years after the 9/11 attacks and 10 months after Hurricane Katrina, most American cities and states remain unprepared for catastrophes, a government analysis concludes.

The shortcomings in emergency planning, including antiquated and uncoordinated response guidelines, are cause "for significant national concern," the Homeland Security Department found.

Although emergency plans appear to be stronger in 18 states along the nation's "Hurricane Belt," the analysis cited preparedness gaps in 131 state and city emergency response plans. Planning for evacuations also remains "an area of profound concern," the review found.

"We rely to a troubling extent on plans that are created in isolation, are insufficiently detailed and are not subject to adequate review," concluded the department's 160-page review of findings and annexes that was delivered to Congress on Thursday evening. A copy of the review was obtained by The Associated Press.