Abstract This paper investigates issues related to health safety and preparedness. Among others, the paper discusses health, safety, and ultimate security of health care responders in times of emergency. For one to respond effectively, he or she must be skilled enough to do what is necessary in a given situation. The paper also looks at the connection between risk reduction and preparedness and alleges that dedicating ample time to prepare for any eventuality is a critical requirement if suffering and loss of human life is to be avoided. Without sound preparation, lives are lost and the recovery period extends unexpectedly. Although numerous suggestions on how to handle health emergencies are available, the choice of a strategy to use remains the sole responsibility of the implementer. Introduction Threats to public health are encountered almost daily and state governments must be well prepared to deal with any eventualities that could lead to loss of lives and suffering. Some threats are caused by natural events while some are experienced as a result of negligence or malicious activities by humans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Irate individuals with intentions of causing harm to others may deliberately plan to cause trouble for others. However, there are some occurrences that are unpremeditated. Whatever the cause, it is imperative to have a well articulated recovery strategy. As explained by the World Health Organization (WHO), preparedness has to do with being ready for action when things go wrong. It involves avoidance or prevention, lessening impact, and being fully prepared to handle emergencies of whatever nature (World Health Organization, 2007). This paper starts by looking at risk reduction through preparedness and then presents research findings and discussion. It concludes by highlighting a summary of key themes. Reducing Risk through Emergency Preparedness Emergencies or calamities often come to us unexpectedly (World Health Organization, 2007). Sadly, the repercussions leave many people desperate for help. As a result, governments are compelled to spend quite heavily on rescue operations to restore normalcy. As has already been explained, it is important to have a well thought out fall back plan in case life threatening events are encountered. A preparedness strategy provides a reliable guide on what should be done during emergencies, by whom, and how it should be done (Friend & Kohn, 2010). Such a strategy also clears any doubts or confusion common in times of emergencies. Simply put, emergency or preparedness plans are very critical tools for restoring order where things have gone awry. According to World Health Organization (2007), threats cannot easily be predicted. This notwithstanding, authorities can have mechanisms that help to lessen their effect to humanity. Lack of a mitigation or prevention strategy has been blamed on several occasions for the suffering of innocent people that leaves them completely devastated, not knowing what to do in order to recover from a desperate state. Apparently, this has been a serious concern internationally, and numerous efforts have been made by the World Health Organization and other like minded organizations to assist countries prepare for health threats. An elaborate emergency preparedness system provides a framework for the development of an effective training strategy by identifying the necessity, extent and scope of specific, predictable, and reliable outcomes in an emergency situation, and the underpinnin