In recent times, there has been measured increase in the occurrence and intensity of disaster events. In light of this, it is important that communities have the methods and resources that allow for the absorption of economic shocks caused by these disasters. Research on these matters can strengthen disaster response efforts for the purpose of initiating support for communities through economic recovery. This project seeks to investigate the economic impact of disasters on communities. This case study will explore the Department of Homeland Security disaster response structures known as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF). Use of the NIMS and NRF systems in both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey are examined. At the time of Hurricane Katrina, these systems were underdeveloped and incapable of handling such a significant event. In the years following, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) endeavored to further develop these systems through research, trial and error, and implementation practices. In 2017, FEMA took the opportunity to utilize the updated systems in response to Hurricane Harvey. To measure the effectiveness of the updated systems, impact analysis will be developed through comparatively modeling each community’s economic recovery efforts. Modeling analysis will include graphs, equations, diagrams, scatterplots, and regression calculations to define value for recovery efforts in economic terms. Through this, we find that the development of response efforts advanced by FEMA are beginning to provide measurable improvement.
