Discussion Question

Emergencies and disasters are unpredictable, but certain types of hazards are regional. For example, we know that every year in the Atlantic, there will be somewhere in the area of 40 named storms, about half of these will gain hurricane strength, and about half of those will actually make landfall. For this reason, emergency planning in states along the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Carolinas is focused on the very real possibility that a hurricane of catastrophic strength may occur in any given year. Applying the strategic preparedness cycle will help communities better prepare for unforeseeable events. The strategic preparedness cycle is a systems approach for establishing and improving preparedness. It is a continuous cycle with five major steps: (1) planning, (2) organization and equipment, (3) training, (4) exercise, and (5) evaluation and improvement. 

For this Discussion, consider the steps of a strategic preparedness cycle and why each is important. Then, consider which step is most critical for communities. 

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a brief explanation of the significance of each step of the strategic preparedness cycle. Then explain which step of the strategic preparedness cycle might be the most critical to communities and why. Justify your response with references to the Learning Resources and current literature.  

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

• Haddow, G. D., Bullock, J. A., & Coppola, D. P. (2014). Introduction to emergency management (5th ed.). Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
  • Chapter 4, “The Disciplines of Emergency Management: Preparedness”
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2008) National incident management system. Washington, DC: Author. 
  National Incident Management System. P-501. Catalog Number 08336-1. 2008. FEMA.
  • Read pp. 9–22
• FEMA. (2008). FEMA strategic plan: Fiscal years 2008–2013:The nation's preeminent emergency management and preparedness agency (FEMAP–422). Washington, DC: Author. 
  FEMA Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2008 – 2013. 2008. FEMA P-422. Catalog Number 08015-1. FEMA.

• FEMA. (n.d.). NIMS resource center. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system