The Development of Collaboration of Response to Hurricane Katrina in the Dallas Area

Abstract

Hurricane Katrina placed tremendous stress on America's emergency response systems. No single agency possessed the capacity required to address the needs of those affected by the hurricane. One element seen lacking in the immediate response to the hurricane was a well-coordinated effort taking advantage of the outpouring of support from distant jurisdictions and organizations. This article looks at some of the theories of how collaborative relationships like these sought in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina emerge in disaster situations and what factors influence the development of stable emergency response collaborative partnerships. Two case studies in the disaster response in the Dallas/Fort Worth area serve to illustrate the importance of communication and interaction in the development of disaster response networks. The article concludes with thoughts about what questions remain from the case studies and potentially fruitful avenues for research on collaboration and disaster response.