It is preventing the damage that could occur before a disaster strikes. Yes, community means everyone. Disasters are far bigger than an Emergency Management Department, and even bigger than a local government. The economic impact of disasters is incredible not just on government but on everyone in our community. Disasters impact our employers and employees, our businesses, our universities, and all of their abilities to operate.
Disasters affect our property values, sales revenue, and employment.
By working together as a community, we can achieve greater things than just government alone. Partnering is the key. These stakeholders come together to make changes to lower the exposure and risks to the natural hazards around them. Community means everyone working together toward a solution for a problem bigger than all of us. This includes those outside of government making changes to strengthen their own buildings, educating their employees, having insurance, and developing business continuity plans so that they can be operational and economically sound following the impact of disasters.