It is often said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Time and time again in moments of crisis, societies have failed to learn from the disasters of the past and prepare a better response for the future. Disasters, whether man made or natural, are a part of our common human experience. With the advent of new technologies and an enhanced ability to communicate, we have been able to better grasp the size and scope of many modern disasters. Unfortunately using that same sophistication to effectively mount a response to save life and property has been a little slower to advance. We have all seen the images of devastation beamed directly to us from such tragedies as Hurricane Katrina, Chernobyl, the Christmas Tsunami and 9/11. Many of us stood horrified at what we were seeing and felt a need to do something. In the aftermath many of us even stood in judgment of how the response to such a tragedy was handled by various governments and agencies whether at the local, state, national or international level. As we look back at our successes and failures during those times, many questions arise. How can we be better equipped to direct resources to where they are needed the most? How can we better assess the situation on the ground during or immediately after a disaster? How can those tasked with responding get the information critical to decision making in real time? The answers are complex... but it begins with "dressing for success."