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Preparedness

Preparedness is distinct from mitigation because rather than focusing on eliminating or reducing risks, the general focus of preparedness is to enhance the capacity to respond to an incident by taking steps to ensure personnel and entities are capable of responding to a wide range of potential incidents.

Preparedness activities may include:

  • Training
  • Planning
  • Procuring resources, such as food, water, and medication stockpiles
  • Situation assessments
  • Exercising to assure the adequacy of planning efforts and the use of after-action reports to improve emergency response plans

 

The Readiness Roadmap: Steps Every Family Can Take to Be Ready

Emergencies are not limited to hurricanes or major disasters. They can also include flash flooding, severe storms, or even power outages. It is important to know which hazards are most likely in your area to prepare effectively.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you reside in a floodplain, near a dam, or close to a body of water?
  • Do you reside near a manufacturing or chemical plant?

Discover more at Ready.gov Alerts.

Follow these steps to develop your preparedness plan.

Step 1: Talk with Your Household

  • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation route?
  • What is the communication plan for my family/household?
  • Should I update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2: Consider Specific Needs

  • Children and seniors
  • Medical requirements (prescriptions and equipment)
  • Disabilities or functional needs (devices, mobility equipment)
  • Pets and service animals
  • Dietary requirements

Step 3: Create a Family Emergency Plan

  • Document your plan and discuss it with your household.
  • Identify meeting locations both inside and outside your neighborhood.
  • Keep emergency contacts readily available. Be aware of how you will communicate if cell service or internet fails.

Step 4: Practice Your Plan

  • Conduct drills at home to ensure everyone understands their roles.
  • Allow children to practice contacting emergency numbers.
  • Test your escape routes and revise the plan if necessary.

Resources:

Emergency Alerts
Sheltering Guidance
Evacuation Information
Family Communication Plan Template

Having food, water, and medicine can help keep you safe until help arrives. Prepare a Go-Bag with essentials so you’re ready to leave quickly if necessary.

Maintain your kit:

  • Store canned food in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep boxed food in sealed containers.
  • Regularly replace expired items.
  • Review your kit annually and adjust it as your family's needs change.

Prepare kits for your home, workplace, and vehicles.

For a complete supply checklist, please visit Ready.gov/kit.

Emergency responders may not always be able to reach you right away. Taking action yourself could save lives.

Ways to get involved:


Facility Emergency Preparedness Plan

Emergency Plan for dialysis centers, assisted living, hospice, nursing homes, and all other facilities should be sent here: email_envelope

 

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Guide & Template for Assisted Living Facilities

This optional resource provides a step-by-step framework to prepare for a wide range of emergencies, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of your residents: 2024 Cumberland EAP Guide & Template

  • Contact Us

    Phone: 910-438-4069
    Emergency Services Center:

    500 Executive Place
    Fayetteville, NC 28305

    Fax: 910-677-5552
    Email:
    email_envelope
    Coordinator: Garry Crumpler

    Contact Us

    Phone: 910-438-4069
    Fax: 910-677-5552
    Email:
    email_envelope
    Coordinator: Garry Crumpler
    Emergency Services Center:

    500 Executive Place
    Fayetteville, NC 28305