National Security

Cities’ Preparedness for Terrorism Series: New York City’s Preparedness for Terrorism and Catastrophic Natural Disasters

April 13, 2009  • Clark Kent Ervin

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While another powerful act of nature and another attempted attack are both inevitable, catastrophic death, injury, and economic damage need not result. If we have learned from the epic tragedies of Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 the lessons we should have learned from them, we will be able to minimize the effects of any future natural or man-made potential catastrophe.

But, have we learned these lessons? Is America significantly better prepared today for another natural disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina? Are we significantly better prepared for another terror attack on the scale of 9/11?

If the answer is “yes,” the American people can rest assured that the nation is as safe from danger as it can be. If the answer is “no,” specific steps can be taken to move the nation toward maximum practicable preparedness as soon as possible.