In light of Hurricane Katrina, a lot of people are writing about how the United States could better react to catastophic disasters. Here are the four pillars of a robust response system, according to Paul C. Light (Times-Post News Service):

1. Alertness to what lies ahead. A high performing response system is constantly scanning a wide range of scenarios, while establishing signposts that will trigger appropriate action, saving precious time.

2. Agility in recruiting, training, and retaining a talented workforce. Agility also includes making sure that first responders are able to talk to each other.

3. Adaptability. A robust system provides flexibility in dollars, equipment, and innovation. Being cheap doesn’t work and limits adaptability.

4. Alignment of all relevant response organizations to a central plan. Catastrophe is no time for protecting turf.