FEMA has released the 2014 National Preparedness Report (NPR). The NPR is an annual status report on the nation’s progress toward reaching the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation established in the Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness.
The NPR identifies areas of sustainment and progress made across 31 core capabilities towards building a secure and resilient nation while identifying opportunities for improvement. Key overarching findings from the 2014 NPR include:
- Embracing a new approach to disaster recovery: Major events, such as Hurricane Sandy and the severe 2012-2013 drought, have served as catalysts for change in national preparedness programs, drawing clearer links between post-disaster recovery and pre-disaster mitigation activities.
- Launching major national initiatives: The Federal Government has initiated several national-level policy and planning initiatives that bring unity of effort to preparedness areas, including critical infrastructure security and resilience, cybersecurity, recovery capabilities, and climate change.
- Managing resource uncertainties: Budget uncertainties have created preparedness challenges at state and local levels of government, resulting in increased ingenuity, emphasis on preparedness innovations, and whole community engagement.
- Partnering with tribal nations: Tribal partners are now more systematically integrated into preparedness activities. However, opportunities remain for Federal agencies and tribal nations to increase engagement and expand training opportunities on relevant policies.
For a copy of the full report go to: www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-report.
As this NPR indicates, as a nation we can continue to become better prepared. One way to do this is by registering for the America’s PrepareAthon! campaign and participating on September 30—National PrepareAthon! Day. Learn more about America’s PrepareAthon! at www.ready.gov/prepare.