Homeland security is rooted in hometown security. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, once etched vividly in every American's memory, may be receding in the country's collective consciousness, but it is up to all of us to make sure that our country stays safe—and prepared—for any eventuality. Each citizen, civic official, faith leader, and business leader must be confident that his or her community's first responder organization can react effectively to any assault and, more importantly, knows exactly what is expected of him or her if the unthinkable should happen again.
Some tips for effective emergency preparedness include those below.
- Define the role of your first responder organization.
- Ensure that each member of your organization fully understands his or her individual role within the organization's plan.
- Ensure that all equipment needed for your role is ready for use at any time.
- Ensure that communications equipment is working at all times and that a communications protocol exists with other first responder agencies and local, state, and federal authorities.
- Work with other first responder agencies in your area to ensure that all parties agree on their roles, amend roles as necessary, and develop a comprehensive first responder area plan.
- Welcome local civic groups and others active in the community to take part in planning exercises.
- Ensure that all citizens know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Designate shelters and first aid locations in advance in conjunction with local and national agencies and religious groups that provide appropriate services.
- Ensure that evacuation plans and routes are developed and communicated to the public in case they are necessary. Mark evacuation routes with signs.
- Ensure that citizens always have supplies on hand in case they have to shelter in place and ensure that there are plans to supply public shelters from close by.
- Ensure that there is a communications plan for keeping citizens informed of developments.
Thinking about terrorist attacks isn't fun. But there was a domestic one—the Oklahoma City bombing—and then the September 11 attacks with their massive casualties in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. It's been a long time since anyone has attacked American soil. It would be nice to think it would never happen again, but we can't afford that luxury.