Preparedness

Preparedness is a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action in an effort to enhance an organization's capabilities to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any threat or hazard, both natural and manmade.  This phase of the emergency management cycle focuses on the following elements: planning; procedures and protocols; training and exercises; personnel qualifications and certifications; and equipment certification.

Typical preparedness activities include developing mutual aid agreements and memorandums of understanding; facilitating training opportunities for personnel and citizens; conducting exercises to test capabilities; and promoting preparedness through community outreach campaigns.  The City of Laurel Department of Emergency Management conducts the following planning activities throughout the year:

• Plan Development and Implementation
  • Emergency Action Plan(s) (EAPs)
  • Continuity of Operations Plan(s) (COOPs)
  • Debris Management Plan
  • After Action Reports / Improvement Plans
• Training and Exercises
  • Incident Command System (ICS) / National Incident Management System (NIMS)
  • Emergency Operations Center 
  • AED / CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed
  • Evacuation / Shelter-in-Plan Drills
• Community Outreach
  • Community Health and Safety Fairs
  • Laurel Ledger and City of Laurel Newsletter Articles

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched the National Preparedness Month campaign in 2004, after recognizing the critical need for increased emergency preparedness.  The campaign gained momentum in 2006 when FEMA collaborated with the Ad Council to develop widespread messaging.  This communication effort significantly enhanced educating and motivating Americans to prepare for emergencies.  Throughout National Preparedness Month, government agencies, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and communities share information and resources that can be used by the public to get prepared for whatever emergency might occur.

Discussing emergency preparedness with your family and friends may not be easy.  In fact, many people think they are protecting their loved ones by avoiding the conversation.  However, planning and preparing for emergencies before they occur enhances your safety.  During National Preparedness Month, “take charge”, “start the conversation”, and “prepare to protect”.