Preparedness through Planning, Training, and Exercising - Hoping for the Best; Preparing for the Worst

Accidents can happen even in the best developed safety cultures. All too often, we see news reports and deal with the aftermath of industrial incidents and disasters. One of the best pieces of advice responders and emergency managers often receive is “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Unfortunately, many of the same preparedness challenges that face local responders can also present hurdles for industrial emergency response teams. While emergency management and homeland security professional guidance has developed a robust cycle and methodology for ensuring effective planning, training, and exercises - it is frequently difficult to excel at these three in corporate and industrial settings.

This session will provide an overview of how tools, templates, and best practices employed by emergency management and homeland security agencies and organizations can help you be best prepared for “if” – not when. A vast majority of the products, services, and industries essential to our nation's security, public health and safety, and economic vitality are owned and operated by private businesses. Meeting or exceeding regulatory planning and training requirements are not just good for business bottom-lines. They are critical in helping to protect you and your staff – as well as ensuring the preparedness-level and ultimate readiness of your community.