As a student nurse, I found Mary Chaffee's article "Making the Decision to Report to Work in a Disaster" (Disaster Care, September 2006) informative and thought provoking. It helps to know what my role in the organization is and how institutions can prepare for such events. Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the September 11 attacks, and California's earthquakes are proof that hospitals are particularly susceptible. A plan to cope with mass casualties, while ensuring the safety of staff and their families, is needed.

Micheline Dupont

Brooklyn, NY