Preparedness is a set of actions that are taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters. Being prepared helps in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes.
There are different types of preparedness, such as public health preparedness and localemergency preparedness or snow preparedness, but probably the most developed type is "disaster preparedness", defined by theUnited Nations as involving "forecasting and taking precautionary measures before an imminent threat when warnings are possible".[1] This includes not only natural disasters, but all kinds of severe damage caused in a relatively short period, including warfare.
Preparedness is a major phase ofemergency management, and is particularly valued in areas ofcompetition such assport,military science andSRF cryomodule assembly.
Methods of preparation includeresearch,estimation,planning, resourcing,education, practicing, andrehearsing.
In Canada, theCenter for Preparedness is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit organization that promotes preparedness.
In the United States, theAmerican Red Cross, a non-profit organization, provides disaster preparedness education.
These and othervarious organizations around the world may provide emergency kits and training.
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In the United States, beforeHurricane Katrina, the responsibility for emergency preparedness fell upon local first responders and other local emergency services.[2] In the aftermath of Katrina, it became evident that first responders can and will become overwhelmed in a large-scale disaster; unable to effectively respond to the emergency.[3]
In 2011, theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposed a "Whole Community Approach" to emergency management.[4] This approach includes individuals, families, businesses, faith-based and community groups, profitable groups, schools and academia, media outlets, and all levels of governments and assigns them a role in preparedness efforts.
In the United States, legislation such as thePandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, and the Public Response and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act were enacted to develop the emergency personnel, procedures, drills, and plans needed in the event of an emergency.[5]
The dictionary definition ofpreparedness at Wiktionary
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