This 27:09 story is an example of why disaster response today has been shaped by the mistakes of Katrina. Karen narrates about her experience volunteering in a disaster zone for the first time. She includes many voices. A couple reuniting with their rescued dog. Returning residents searching for their pets. Volunteers who have nightmares when they return to homes far away from the chaos. They come back to volunteer again and again. A social worker who speaks about PTSD. Along the way we hear of Karen’s foibles and disappointments as well as the disaster response community’s challenges.  The sound would not be complete without KPFA’s Dev Ross’ sensitive editing and mixing. And his alligator sounds.  

This 27:09 story is an example of why disaster response today has been shaped by the mistakes of Katrina. Karen narrates about her experience volunteering in a disaster zone for the first time. She includes many voices. A couple reuniting with their rescued dog. Returning residents searching for their pets. Volunteers who have nightmares when they return to homes far away from the chaos. They come back to volunteer again and again. A social worker who speaks about PTSD. Along the way we hear of Karen’s foibles and disappointments as well as the disaster response community’s challenges.  The sound would not be complete without KPFA’s Dev Ross’ sensitive editing and mixing. And his alligator sounds.