ABSTRACT
The impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast region, and particularly New Orleans, clearly demonstrated serious flaws in the evacuation of vulnerable citizens. This case illustrates the importance of an issue “champion” in acting as a catalyst for bringing together and gaining the support of a variety of players that are essential to developing a viable solution to a problem. In lieu of providing a shelter of last resort, the focus before and during Katrina, the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana are developing evacuation plans of last resort for the most vulnerable populations: the “special needs” and the elderly. Elderly and other special needs populations require a proactive approach in predisaster planning. While as much as possible disabled persons must be prepared to help themselves in a disaster, it is important to raise awareness about the ways the elderly can be helped during emergencies.
