FEMA Futility Spreads To The Web

As if the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort couldn't get any more absurd, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set up a Web site in the aftermath of the devastation to help people apply for government assistance. However, those who tried to access the online FEMA Individual Assistance Center were subjected to a rude awakening: The Web site works only if users are running Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6 or higher. Oh, and IE 6 has to be JavaScript-enabled. Any other Web browser--Apple's Safari, open-source browser FireFox, Netscape or a Linux browser--gave users the following message: "In order to use this site, you must have JavaScript Enabled and Internet Explorer Version 6. Download it from Microsoft or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register."

Has FEMA not heard of Safari? Has the agency not seen the market-research numbers on FireFox's growth? (And did federal officials perhaps overlook the possibility that hurricane victims may not have access to a PC with IE 6?) So, in other words, it's possible for anyone in the United States to make a 911 call even if phone service is shut off, but victims of one of the worst natural disasters can't get on a relief Web site without Microsoft.

FEMA posted a statement on its Web site shortly after the controversy was brought to light, saying the agency is "in the process of modifying the application so that it will be available to additional browsers." Good catch. So, along with trying to find a new head for the agency, maybe FEMA can look for some new IT staff, or, better yet, a good solution provider.