As governments, news bureaus and the public mark the anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina drowned New Orleans, just 36% of Americans think emergency services are now better prepared to cope with disasters of comparable scale (see crosstabs).

That's a slight increase in pessimism since we asked the question in late May, when hurricane season was approaching. In May, 41% believed emergency services are now better prepared; just 9% said we are less prepared. That number rises to 12% in the current survey.

The new survey was conducted as Tropical Storm Ernesto, threatening to become Hurricane Ernesto, was on its way to the U.S. mainland. Ernesto called attention to the state of the New Orleans levees, which many say are still inadequate. In that vein, 66% say the recovery effort in New Orleans is "not fast enough." The pace is appropriate according to 16%, while 7% say it's "too fast."

In general, 47% say the federal government should bear the most financial responsibility for areas affected by natural disaster, versus 23% who name local agencies, 19% who name individuals.

The breakdown is similar when Americans consider who primarily should pay to repair areas affected by Hurricane Katrina in particular, although in this case a slightly higher percentage say the federal government should step up: 50%.

The survey showed many differences in response according to gender, age, race, and income group. But the largest differences correlate with partisan affiliation.

Twice as many Democrats (60%) as Republicans (30%) think the federal government should bear most of the financial responsibility for areas affected by natural disaster. Almost three times as many Republicans (30%) as Democrats (11%) think individuals should bear most of that responsibility.

Republicans are also more likely than Democrats to believe emergency services are better prepared now to cope with disasters, and that the recovery in New Orleans has been "too fast."

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.