Disaster planning and response: guidance for healthcare facilities

The widespread devastation and massive disruptions caused in the last few weeks by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita--in New Orleans and numerous other communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast--showed just how difficult it can be for communities to function in the face of large-scale disasters. In the wake of these storms, healthcare facilities throughout the world will undoubtedly be examining their emergency management plans to assess whether they are prepared to handle similar events.