FEMA Releases First Edition of the National Preparedness Goal

FEMA's National Preparedness GoalFrom a FEMA press-release:

We are pleased to announce the release of the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal, which is available for download at http://www.fema.gov/PPD8. The National Preparedness Goal is the first deliverable called for by Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 8 and was signed by the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 23, 2011.

The National Preparedness Goal sets the vision for preparedness nationwide and identifies the core capabilities and capability targets necessary to achieve that vision across the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.

The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal builds extensively on prior work of various stakeholder groups from around the nation, draws upon lessons learned from past large-scale and catastrophic events and represents input from preparedness partners from all levels of government, non-profit organizations, the private sector and individuals. The input and ideas developed through working groups, outreach sessions, targeted engagement efforts and a two-week national review period was critical to shaping this document.

As one reader pointed out, “Proof is in the pudding of course, but at least this piece includes mitigation — with community resilience called out as a [desired] core capability.”

Here’s to hoping that words lead to action.

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