The Role of Public Policy in Providing Relief to the People Affected by the Hurricane - Essay Example

Under normal circumstances, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was expected to take a leading role in providing relief to the affected people but in this case, it is seen working against its mandated task. The then director, Brown, turned down offers of assistance from the police, army as well as other relief agencies, and this was only compounded by a directive that prohibited all the emergency services departments not to respond to any call to assist the victims of the hurricane without being lawfully requested. A year passed after the devastating Katrina but a greater part of New Orleans remained in ruins with little reconstruction taking place.

In my own opinion, I think the responsible authorities neglected the areas that were hardest hit by the hurricane. Instead of responding positively through offering assistance to the affected people, they are seen blocking emergency relief as if the disaster was premeditated. Natural disasters are not controlled by man and they cause untold suffering to the affected people, hence the need to put measures in place that are meant to avert the impacts of these disasters. The government is the main body representing all the citizens and it has the responsibility of ensuring that the welfare of its citizens is up to standard. In case of unprecedented natural disasters, all the levels of government in collaboration with other relief providers should take a leading role in ensuring that all the affected people get the needed assistance. Measures to ensure disaster preparedness should always be in place and the government should offer quick responses whenever there is a serious disaster unlike the case of New Orleans where the responsible authorities are seen blocking aid.

It is recommended that public policies which do not discriminate against race or creed must be enacted and fully implemented in all states. It is highly probable that the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans have neglected on the basis of race the reason why public policies should be neutral always. Life is precious and it should be protected wherever possible especially in cases of natural disasters. It is also recommended that a special fund should always be in place so as to allow a quick response when disasters unexpectedly strike. Indeed, other well-wishers may chip in be the responsible government should take a leading role in safeguarding the life of its people especially in events of emergency cases like natural disasters. It is also recommended that the government should take a leading role in reconstructing the devastated areas.

It can be noted in this case that public policy played a lesser role in the progress made. The response was not that timeous and certain changes have occurred where directives are given to ignore calls from affected people. The public policy under normal circumstances should always reflect something good for the people concerned.