title: After the storm: experiences and insights from the front.
abstract: You can never totally prepare for a disaster. However, from each occurrence we learn new lessons and gain insight to the preparations, collaborative strategies and flexible tactics needed to respond effectively. The scenarios below are a small sampling of what ACHE affiliates dealt with in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The leaders of these healthcare organizations know the importance of having a comprehensive disaster plan, adapting to the situation you face and stepping back to evaluate and make adjustments for the future.
authors.forename: Tequia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burt
authors.forename: Marilyn E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Mages
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D005845:Georgia; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007858:Learning; D008145:Louisiana; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D013781:Texas