I think perhaps our response to such a disaster will be better. For instance FEMA and the National Guard will now pre-position themselves in advance of a dangerous storm. We've certainly learned a lot of lessons about what to do and not do during such a disaster.

That said, I see no evidence we've really done anything to reduce damage before a storm hits. New Orleans levies are at best as good as they were pre Katrina. Many cities are not as vulnerable but the evacuation of Houston a couple of years ago did not go very well. I think people are just very bad at risk management like this, the chance of a hurricane hitting any specific spot is low even though we know hurricanes are going to hit somewhere. As a result no one spot does a very good job being ready, with a good plan and mitigations as much as possible.

It's also up to individuals, if you live on the gulf coast or Florida or the south eastern atlantic coast a hurricane is going to hit in your lifetime most likely. You should be ready. If nothing else Katrina reminded people that they do need to be prepared. Hopefully that will help.

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