Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it calls for the involvement of everyone — not just the government — in preparedness efforts. By working together, everyone can help keep the nation safe from harm and help keep it resilient when struck by hazards, such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and pandemics.
Whole Community includes:
- Individuals and families, including those with access and functional needs
- Businesses
- Faith-based and community organizations
- Nonprofit groups
- Schools and academia
- Media outlets
- All levels of government, including state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal partners
The phrase “whole community” appears a lot in preparedness materials, as it is one of the guiding principles. It means two things:
- Involving people in the development of national preparedness documents.
- Ensuring their roles and responsibilities are reflected in the content of the materials.