All-hazard preparedness efforts at FEMA seek to prepare all sectors of American society - business, industry and nonprofit, state and local government, and the general public - for any emergency or disaster situation that may occur.

The all-hazard preparedness concept is simple in that how you prepare for one disaster or emergency situation is the same for any other disaster. Whether you represent a business or non-profit organization, work for a state or local government, or want to prepare your family for disaster, preparedness can be achieved through thoughtful planning before a disaster.

Preparedness ensures that if disaster occurs, people are ready to get through it safely, and respond to it effectively. Whether you're an individual citizen, a volunteer group or a government agency, preparedness means figuring out what you'll do if essential services break down, developing a plan for contingencies, and practicing the plan.

Preparedness for disaster is important at every level of the emergency management system. And it's equally important for the public at large. By encouraging state and local planning, making resources available for facilities and equipment, giving emergency personnel the training they need, sponsoring exercises and getting information out to the public, FEMA helps build an emergency management system that can protect people and property in any kind of disaster. The Preparedness Division is responsible for FEMA's all-hazard preparedness initiatives, programs and publications.