Preparedness – The Goal With No Finish Line

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11), shocked the nation and highlighted preparedness gaps in security, communications, interagency collaboration, responder health, and other critical areas. A few years after that tragic day, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the month of September as National Preparedness Month to build emergency preparedness awareness and actions throughout each community.

So much has happened in the decades since 9/11. Threats have evolved, new technologies have emerged, and new partnerships have formed. There has undoubtedly been progress in the preparedness space, but there is no finish line. Community leaders must continually reevaluate their plans, procedures, and resources to adapt to changing conditions that could impact people and properties.

Talking to others about potential threats and hazards and what to do about them is a start. From there, these relationships can develop into valuable partnerships for sharing information and resources. Solid relationships nurture strong communities that can withstand extreme weather events, national security threats, critical infrastructure failures, and other disastrous events and can support those who tirelessly work on the frontlines.

The authors in this September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal address community outreach, responder fatigue, first responder technology and resources, crisis communications, and threat awareness. As National Preparedness Month ends, national preparedness efforts must not stop. Keep resetting goals and building capabilities and resources to help communities move toward that ever-moving finish line.