Final answer:
The failure of the HPS in New Orleans affected emergency management activities, society at large, and human health, signifying that the impact of its failure was all-encompassing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The failure of the Home Protection System (HPS) in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina resulted in dire consequences across multiple areas. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question—which system's failure did not affect during the catastrophe—is d. All of the above.
The impact was indeed profound on emergency management activities, with immediate rescue and relief efforts being crippled. The event also had a significant effect on society, highlighting the socio-economic disparities and racial inequalities.