PREPAREDNESS

Preparedness is the process of planning, organizing, training, and equipping yourself, your family, or your community to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters before they occur. It involves assessing potential risks—such as natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes), man-made crises (fires, chemical spills, terrorism), or public health emergencies—and developing strategies to minimize their impact.

Key elements of preparedness include creating and regularly updating emergency plans, building disaster supply kits with essential items (food, water, medications, and emergency tools), and educating people about hazards specific to their environment. Training and practice drills are also fundamental, as they help ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go if disaster strikes.

Preparedness is not a one-time task but an ongoing cycle. It requires continuous evaluation, improvement, and adaptation as new risks emerge or circumstances change. At its core, preparedness aims to foster self-reliance, safety, and resilience—empowering individuals and communities to respond quickly and recover more effectively from crises.