WHITE PAPER

THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

The devastation along the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina is heart wrenching, and so severe it nearly makes us suspend our belief. How could this one storm do so much damage? It looks like coverage of a terrible war or disaster in a Third World country. But it is real, and the effects will be long lasting.

This discussion is not meant in any way to be insensitive to the needs of the victims, or to belittle their losses. All of us are doing what we can in our own way to ease the suffering of those involved. This is simply an analysis of what the future holds after such a disaster would befall any part of the US.

The immediate impact we see is the loss of access to records. There are motor vehicle departments, court systems, schools and businesses that are without power and cannot operate in our computerized world. As power is restored, these organizations will begin to come back on line.

Another scenario we must keep in mind is that many businesses, charitable organizations, health related organizations, law enforcement agencies, military groups and many others all over the country have sent personnel and resources to help out in the Southeast. That leaves their normal operations very thin, and means our requests for normal day to day business will have a low priority. It is not difficult to appreciate their changed concern.

However, there are a number of other long term realities of which we must be aware. Some cities, county seats, schools and companies are simply gone - wiped out entirely. If their records were duplicated and stored in a safe place, they may eventually return to normal, if such a word can be used in this situation. Some may never recover. There are bound to be birth, death, marriage, property, employment, graduation, criminal and other records that are never going to be seen again.

We need to be aware that:

these situations will arise and no amount of research will ever locate some data, and
there will inevitably be people who will take advantage of the fact that their claims cannot be proved or disproved.

We all need to keep an open mind, and use our best judgment to evaluate each case as it arises. You may wish to brainstorm the possible future consequences of a lack of documentation for a large number of job applicants, and create standard procedures for handling such occurrences.

Phenix Group will do our utmost to keep up with this changing environment, and assist you in any way we can. Patience and ingenuity may be our best allies in trying to mitigate the long term effects of this truly devastating disaster.

Phenix Group, Inc., Employment Background Checks

Home | Privacy Policy | Industry Links | Client Login