RELATED: America after Katrina: Lessons from New OrleansTimeline:August 25–28, 2005: Katrina crossed Florida, gaining strength as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. Weeks following: Volunteers arrived to provide aid; the federal response was slow and hampered by bureaucracy and training requirements. Katrina: Volunteer response vs. federal responseWhat we know:Volunteers often arrived ahead of FEMA, providing immediate aid, supplies and medical care. Big picture view:Katrina exposed gaps in disaster preparedness and federal response. Survivors, volunteers, and experts will share lessons learned, including how communities can better prepare for future disasters.