Today marks the 13th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which slammed into southeast Louisiana as a Category three storm, killing over 1,000 people along the Gulf Coast and leaving much of New Orleans area under water for days. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson, Mike Steele, says Katrina was a milestone event for emergency planners.

"So many things have changed over the years from the methods of communication to the strategies for recovery," says Steele.

Steele adds one of the biggest changes was the establishment of LWIN Radio Network, which was needed because of the communications breakdown that crippled first responders during the storm and the aftermath.

"This allows first responders and other important officials to stay in touch with each other throughout that event with a network that was established," says Steele.

Steele says just about every phase of emergency management & planning changed as a result of Katrina.

"I think we're better off for it today, but you have to keep those plans updated.  You have to keep up with the technology."

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