Society matters: What steps can be taken to minimise elite panic?

This paper examines the concept of panic, drawing on the experience of the people of New Orleans in the lead-up and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Of particular interest is how residents of the city were affected by the response from the city's elite leadership. The paper discusses the lessons learned from this event and provides recommendations to reduce elite panic and improve cooperation between emergency management leaders and those governing the communities, regions and countries they serve, with a view to enhancing social capital.