Change to any system often comes as the result of failure. That is true with the disaster response protocols in the United States, as well. Historical records from 1635 tell of a great hurricane that swept villagers and Natives away in Southern New England. Governor William Bradford called it “a mighty storm of wind and rain.” At the turn of the 20th century, almost a third of the residents of Galveston would succumb to another mighty storm. From floods to earthquakes to fire, adversity has proven the need for effective management and disaster response solutions.