NEW ORLEANS —

Katrina sparked a wave of innovation from satellite imaging to real-time alerts.

Text messaging is one of many new technologies to reshape how we respond to disasters. Advertisement

Emergency leaders say the kind of mass text alert system we have now that sends weather related warnings and emergency notices would have been a game changer.

"Had we had an emerge alert says that we could have pushed out, I think we would have a greater number of citizens evacuated," said Joe Valiente, emergency management director of Jefferson Parish.

New Orleans Homeland Security Director Collin Arnold says the Louisiana Wireless Information Network, located across the entire state, will ensure first responders never lose connection during a natural disaster. To further organize coordinat

See Full Page