Exercises in Disaster Preparation

In recent years, there has been a fast increase in the importance of disaster preparedness exercises in communities across the United States. Furthermore, the devastating 9/11 terrorist attack, which resulted in many fatalities among American citizens, as well as natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, have compelled the federal, state, and local governments to implement measures to help prevent further loss of American lives from such disasters. It is critical to involve communities in disaster preparedness exercises and plans for the measures to be effective. This paper will focus on how communities can be involved in disaster preparedness plans and exercises and how to mitigate and recover from emergency events.


Active participation can be one of the best ways to involve the community in disaster preparedness planning and exercises. This can be achieved through distributing and teaching family preparedness materials in the workplaces, schools, and neighborhood, training individuals at all levels and through organizations such as the Citizen Corps which was an organization started by President George W. Bush after the 9/11 attack plans (Citizen Corps, 2011). Further, it is imperative that whenever the community is to get involved in these exercises, there is a good laid down plan. The plan should aim at reducing the unknown in a problematic situation, based on what is likely to happen, based on actual problems and solutions not on myths and should focus on principles rather than details (Local Emergency Planning Committee, 2006). This will assist community members to be educated on the importance of being equipped with adequate knowledge on how to react during emergency incidences. Additionally, the members of the community will be in a position to play a more active role in reducing risks, preventing crimes, and emergency preparedness hence making the community much safer and a better place to live (FEMA, 2017).


Once the community is involved directly with plans and exercises to mitigate and recover from the emergency incident, the community feels a greater sense of responsibility, personal control, and security. Further, they supplement other professional emergency response teams such as the police and fire response department hence increasing their efficiency and help in saving lives and property. Additionally, the insights and perspectives of the entire community are incorporated hence strengthening the emergency response and preparedness plans (Citizen Corps, 2011). Involving the local community in disaster preparedness plans and exercises also prepares them to care for themselves and others in time of crisis consequently building pride and patriotism amongst themselves. In the United States, several disaster preparedness organizations work closely with the community to ensure safety during a disaster and coping after the incidents. Either the local government, volunteers and donors, and grants fund the activities of such organizations. Such organizations include LEPC, FEMA and Citizen Corps among others.


Conclusion


Disasters that have been experienced in the recent times in the United States have necessitated the need to involve the local community in preparedness and plans through active participation. This makes the community much knowledgeable, and puts them in a better position to deal with a crisis when it occurs. Further, the community is in a better position to prevent crimes, reduce risks hence making the community a better place to live. Besides, their involvement in disaster preparedness plans and exercises makes them feel an increased sense of security, personal control, and responsibility.


References


Citizen Corps. (2011). Citizen Corps: A Guide for Local Officials.


FEMA. (2017). The National Preparedness Directorate: An Overview.


Local Emergency Planning Committee. (2006). A Primer for Local Planning for Hazardous Materials.

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