Disaster Response: Is It Good Enough?

It is clear that the response by the authorities to Grenfell came up short at almost every level. But it is also clear that minor events by comparison, like flash floods, leave those affected traumatised and often lacking the essentials of life.  There is a common complaint that although the emergency services are wonderful, the follow up is not. Often there are people doing helpful things about which victims either do not know or do not know how to access. This is especially the case for people without enough insurance. Even in high profile events like terror attacks, there are often victims left struggling with the aftermath, even if the response on the day was heroic.

Some countries have a dedicated Emergencies Ministry. This blog thinks we need one in the UK. Its function would be to mobilise and coordinate all the aid and response which is available from multiple  sources within government, business and charities, so that it is directed to where it is needed. Almost as important, some would say more so, is to provide a clear first point of call for victims.

Think about it.