Summary The vision of PREPARE-Washoe (PREparedness PARtnership committeE) is to have open communication between businesses and local government and to provide preparedness training opportunities to ensure that every business is properly equipped to sustain an emergency and help the community recover. The sectors included are about 45 different: government, private, non-profit, and volunteer organizations. Background The PREPARE Washoe initiative sprung from the success of the Lifeline Utilities group in the region, the Associated General Contractor’s Emergency Services Committee, the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) efforts. Regional public safety officials wanted a group that would encompass additional sectors. After the flood of 2005, local businesses expressed a desire to be better informed and partner with government on behalf of the community. The local emergency manager expressed a desire to have a member of the business community actually participate in the Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC). In 2008, the Michigan State University Critical Incident Protocol training served as a starting point for the initiative. Goals and Objectives The objectives for PREPARE-Washoe are split into principle objectives for local businesses and government. The objectives for local businesses are: (1) Be informed in a timely manner of potential hazardous events that could affect business. (2) Assist in planning, training, responding, and recovering to community disasters. (3) Provide opportunities to share resources during a disaster. The objectives for local government are: (1) To have the private sector involved at the Regional Emergency Operations Center. (2) To assist in helping businesses prepare for disasters so impacts are minimal and they are able to recover quickly. (3) To assist businesses with the development of Continuity of Operations Planning documents. Description The PREPARE Washoe initiative is co-sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of Northern Nevada, and the Washoe County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The group has a simple charter specifying at least four meetings per year focused exclusively on ensuring a partnership between business and local government. The group is co-chaired by two business representatives and the County Emergency Manager. Meeting topics are solicited through annual surveys of the membership and coordinated by the co-chairs. Meeting attendance varies between 35-75 attendees depending on the time of year and subjects being discussed. Requirements for Success In order for PREPARE-Washoe to be successful we rely on business volunteers. Due to the current economic situation we do not have a dedicated budget for this effort. However, business partners are invited and encouraged to attend all regional emergency management training and exercises at no cost other than the time involved. Resources PREPARE-Washoe has the following resources available through its partnership- A seat in the Emergency Operations Center; web resources; and tools and templates. For more information, please visit: www.readywashoe.com/ Training and Exercises PREPARE-Washoe hosts and participates in joint training and exercises with the public and private sectors. A PREPARE-Washoe representative has a seat at the Logistics section table. Private sector representatives may participate or observe any training, planning, or exercise event. Communication Tools PREPARE-Washoe uses the following methods of communication with their public/private sectors; email alerts; in-person meetings; media outreach; and public service announcements. Links www.readywashoe.com/ Contact Information Aaron Kenneston Emergency Manager Washoe County Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security 775-337-5898 desk akenneston@washoecounty.us DISCLAIMER FEMA’s Private Sector Division of the Office of External Affairs facilitates information sharing and good practices for developing effective public-private partnerships. This Web site and its contents are provided for informational purposes only, without warranty or guarantee of any kind, and do not represent the official positions of the US Department of Homeland Security. For more information on the Private Sector Division, please email FEMA-private- sector@dhs.gov or visit www.FEMA.gov/privatesector