Public and Private Professionals Working Together in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response

Who We Are

Emergency planning is not just a function of government.  Important opportunities exist for emergency preparedness and planning at the household, workplace, and community levels.  In fact, emergency management is most effective in a "bottom up" approach.  Consider the following tiers of preparedness:

 Federal
State
County
City
Workplace
Family

Each level builds on the next; a good base of awareness and preparation at the lower tiers is critical.  Good emergency planning at higher levels of government cannot result in an effective disaster recovery if individuals and communities have not prepared themselves.  However, solid planning and preparedness efforts by families, businesses, and communities is the surest approach to a quick disaster recovery.

Emergency planning at any level can be accomplished by answering these simple questions:

• What are the threats to my home, business, or community?

• What can be done now to minimize the danger to life and property?

• How do we prepare for these emergencies?

• How will we be warned?  How will we warn others?

• How do we respond?  Who should be responsible for each step in the response plan?

• What are some problems that can be anticipated as we try to recover and return to normal? 

These ideas are guided by the following principles of emergency management:

Mitigation:  Activities that can help avoid a disaster or minimize its impact.  Examples include building dikes, adopting wind resistant construction methods, and building new warning systems.

Preparedness:  Activities that enhance the abilities of individuals, communities, and businesses to respond to a disaster.  Examples include creating disaster plans (for the home, workplace, and community) and conducting disaster drills.

Response:  Actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to prevent loss of life and property. 

Recovery:  Efforts to return the community back to normal following a disaster.  Recovery efforts can include debris removal, rebuilding roads, returning people to their homes, etc.

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 Emergency Planning

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