Explanation of the terminology

It is important to become familiar with what is meant by emergency planning and preparedness.

In this video, Michael Gilbert explains the terminology, including some of the key differences between emergency preparedness and an emergency plan.

Is having a plan enough to make us prepared?

Emergency planning and preparedness are linked but they are not interchangeable.

Emergency preparedness describes the process for ensuring that an organisation can respond effectively to any kind of disruptive challenge.

The emergency plan details how an organisation will respond to specific events. It explains the organisation of the response and actions to be taken.

(Perry and Lindell 2003)

Your task

From your experience to date, why do you think there is more to emergency preparedness than simply producing a plan?

References

_{Perry, R.W. and Lindell, M. K., (2003) ‘Preparedness for emergency response: guidelines for the emergency planning process’. Disasters 27 (4), 336-350}