past catastrophic events have shown the willingness to help that average citizens have, but that does not mean that they are actually providing assistance. i do not believe that every citizen will need to be as qualified as the first responders that normally respond, but they should be aware of the principles of emergency management and how they can be of assistance. local jurisdictions should also be more proactive to promote emergency management and steps that can be taken in the home and at school. also, hurricane katrina showed what citizens will do when hope is lost. poor planning and response left many people without adequate shelter and normal everyday needs. looting occurred, as well as brutal beatings and stabbings all while living under the security of the government. the people of new orleans could have had their fears alleviated if they knew the steps and procedures that fema and or supporting agencies would take. the community emergency response teams are a great way to give formal training that can alleviate first responders in a time of crisis. directions: length: the research paper should be 1,200 to 1,700 words in length. this does not include the works cited, reference, or bibliography page. the word count refers only to the paper itself. you will lose 5 points on your final research project if you go over the 1,700-word limit by more than 250 words. part of effective writing is being able to complete the assignment within the designated limits set. your final source page should contain at least five sources. you will lose points if you have fewer. . please use these references as well as the references that the sites give you as resources/ preparedness for families, children, schools http://www.mema.state.md.us/mema/index.jsp Community Emergency Response Team https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/index.shtm.