Community Preparedness

Community-based preparedness planning allows us to prepare for and respond to anticipated disruptions and potential hazards following a disaster. Through pre-event planning, neighborhoods and worksites can also work together to help reduce injuries, loss of lives, and property damage. Neighborhood preparedness will enhance the ability of individuals and neighborhood to reduce their emergency needs and to manage their existing resources until professional assistance becomes available.

Studies of behavior following disasters have shown that groups working together in the disaster period perform effectively if there has been prior planning for disaster response.

Effective response requires comprehensive planning and coordination of all who will be involved. With training and information, individuals and community groups can be prepared to serve as a crucial resource capable of performing many of the emergency functions needed in the immediate post-disaster period. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to help communities prepare for effective disaster response through training and planning.

Below are recommended procedures to help you prepare you and your family for disasters.