FEMA's Brown Was Warned Early of Shortages

[democracyindanger]

Former FEMA director Michael Brown was warned weeks before Hurricane Katrina hit that his agency's backlogged computer systems could delay supplies and put personnel at risk during an emergency, according to an audit released Wednesday.

An internal review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's information-sharing system shows it was overwhelmed during the 2004 hurricane season. The audit was released a day after Brown vehemently defended FEMA for the government's dismal response to Katrina, instead blaming state and local officials for poor planning and chaos during the Aug. 29 storm and subsequent flooding.

The review by Homeland Security Department acting Inspector General Richard L. Skinner examined FEMA's response to four major hurricanes and a tropical storm that hit Florida and the Gulf Coast in August and September 2004. It noted FEMA's mission during disasters as rapid response and coordinating efforts among federal, state and local authorities.

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In an Aug. 3 response, Brown and one of his deputies rejected the audit, calling it unacceptable, erroneous and negative.

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/09/28/national/w145107D24.DTL

[clydefrand]

1. But Haley Barbour of Mississippi said he was very pleased

with what the feds did for his state! Said they were there the night of the storm with helicopters rescuing people from rooftops. The difference between MS and LA??? Politics, right?

[Lerkfish]

2. as I understand it, the constituents in Mississippi paint a bleaker pictur

than the koolaid drinking governor.

[underpants]

9. Barbour is straight out of redneck sheriff central casting

have you seen that guy walk? I swear it looks like a pig on its hind legs.

Barbour, former RNC chair.

[MasonJar]

3. Also a company of Barbour is getting millions for cleanup.

[fearnobush]

4. This is FEMA under Bush

<>

And thats right on FEMA's web site!

<http://www.fema.gov/about/what.shtm>

From an other thread on FEMA's response on the Daily Show tonight.
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2122039>

[tuvor]

5. That deserves its own thread.

I'd recommend it.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. Fewer Power Point Presentations

and more action would make a helluva difference...

[Nothing Without Hope]

7. Recommended. One more item for the long-term timeline. n/t

[SillyGoose]

8. Brownie is one arrogant guy. He calls this report "unacceptable".

What is unacceptable to me is this guy refuses to acknowledge any problems with the performance of FEMA under his so-called leadership and that Americans suffered because of it. His behavior at the committee Tuesday was a disturbing insight into his mindset and management style. I can only imagine how awful it must be to interact with him on a regular basis.

(nominated)