Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Brian Schatz have reintroduced the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at creating an independent board to investigate major natural disasters nationwide. The proposed National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) would focus on studying the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage, as well as making recommendations to all levels of government on how to make communities more resilient to the impacts of disasters.

Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of learning from past storms to save lives and prevent future disasters across the country. He stated, "Just because Louisiana had a relatively quiet hurricane season this year, doesn’t mean it will stay this way."

Senator Schatz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. He stated, "Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe every year, killing hundreds of people and destroying communities across the country...we need to do everything we can to protect people and make our communities more resilient."

The current approach to understanding the impacts of natural disasters relies on a patchwork of studies, after-action reports, audits, and media reports. This inconsistent and vulnerable system is susceptible to political pressure. The NDSB aims to centralize data collection and analysis, providing a national hub for understanding disaster impacts and learning best practices for improving resiliency.

Modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the NDSB would consist of seven members with experience in emergency management, public health, engineering, social and behavioral sciences, as well as experience working at the state and local levels and with vulnerable communities. Additionally, the NDSB would include a dedicated office focused on disaster impacts to low-income communities, communities of color, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Former FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor and former HUD Deputy Secretary Pamela Patenaude, co-chairs of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Disaster Response Reform Task Force, commended Senators Cassidy and Schatz for reintroducing the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act. They emphasized the need for independent investigations of major disasters and proactive research to make federal disaster assistance programs more effective and save lives and costs.

Other experts in the field of emergency management also expressed their support for the creation of the NDSB. Brock Long, Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting and former FEMA Administrator, stated, "The National Disaster Safety Board is designed to...build upon successes while highlighting where there is room for improvement." Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator, emphasized the importance of learning from system failures rather than individual performance failures. He stated, "A National Board that can review all levels of Government...will be key to building a resilient Nation against all hazards."

Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, highlighted the disproportionate impact of disasters on the lowest-income and most marginalized communities. She expressed her support for the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act, stating that it can help policymakers take important steps to reform America's broken system for disaster housing response and recovery.

Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, emphasized the need to learn from natural disasters to be more resilient. He commended Senators Cassidy and Schatz for their introduction of the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act.

The Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act has garnered support from various organizations including the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, Enterprise Community Partners, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Association of State Floodplain Managers, and BPC Action.

With the reintroduction of the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act, Senators Cassidy and Schatz are taking a proactive step towards improving the nation's response to natural disasters. By creating the National Disaster Safety Board, they aim to provide policymakers and the public with a comprehensive understanding of disaster impacts and data-informed recommendations that will prepare them for future crises.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-schatz-reintroduce-bill-to-create-new-national-board-to-investigate-natural-disasters-provide-recommendations-to-mitigate-future-impact/