Hurricane Katrina proved that the nation's disaster-response system was in need of a major overhaul, and that seems to be in the offing. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is preparing wide-ranging changes to the embattled Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of a House report blaming the poor disaster response on government-wide ineptitude.

But one proposed remedial step announced by Chertoff should raise a red flag from the outset. That is the proposal for a full-time disaster-response force of 1,500 new employees.

While a fully trained and otherwise-prepared immediate-response force would seem to be desirable in terms of quick mobilization and quick coordination of needed help, Chertoff must inform the American people of what those 1,500 new federal employees will do when they are not dealing with disaster situations and issues.

The danger in the Chertoff proposal is that the government will be taking on another costly bureaucracy that might not have the work to justify its existence.

The hurricane tolls of the past two years on the United States were an unfortunate challenge for the nation's emergency-response and financial resources. But the scope of what occurred in 2004 and 2005 might not be seen again for years, although, admittedly, hurricanes are not the only potential source of disaster.

Still, whatever steps are taken by Chertoff and FEMA must be well thought out both in terms of how the changes will function and how they will impact the federal budget over the long term.

The other initial change announced by Chertoff — a more reliable system for reporting on disasters as they unfold — was a need well-demonstrated as the tragic Katrina drama evolved.

Most of the changes envisioned by Chertoff are intended to be completed by the start of this year's hurricane season on June 1. However, haste shouldn't overrule ensuring that the changes are in the nation's overall best interests — from all vantage points.

It's understandable that Chertoff feels the necessity to take quick steps to fix the nation's emergency-response capabilities. The House report has caused major embarrassment for those charged with ensuring efficient federal performance — including President George W. Bush.

"Our investigation revealed that Katrina was a national failure, an abdication of the most solemn obligation to provide for the common welfare," the House report says.

Chertoff merits praise for his intent to tackle the disaster-response issue in an aggressive way. But he should be careful to avoid assembling a bloated new bureacracy incapable for work without tripping over itself.

— J.R.K.