June 28, 2006 —Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the troubled response to the Gulf Coast disaster taught New York how to set up its new emergency plan in case a hurricane hits New York. He says communication between the residents and the city is key.

MAYOR: "We've never had a category 4 storm but it's prudent to do the work to have a plan to make sure that everybody understands whose playing what role and the people understand they are responsible to some extent for their own safety."

They mayor also said New York won't be relying on the federal government for assistance. The city will use its own forces from the fire and police departments to civilian resources like schools and shelters. The mayor says that one of the key lessons learned from Katrina was to make sure vulnerable people are rescued.