Our Nation faces a wide range of threats and hazards, including acts of terrorism, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and catastrophic natural disasters.
Communities can address the risks these threats and hazards pose by working together using a systematic approach that builds on tested preparedness activities.
Presidential Policy Directive 8, or PPD-8, describes the Nation’s approach to national preparedness.
The National Preparedness Goal is the cornerstone for that approach. The Goal, based on insights and lessons learned over the last four years of real world events, identifies the Nation’s core capabilities required for executing the five mission areas of Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. The intent for this goal is to show that preparedness is the responsibility of the entire nation.
The National Preparedness System is an integrated set of guidance, programs, and processes that enables us to work together to meet the Preparedness Goal.
The System includes six main components that are familiar processes. The starting point is to identify and assess risks, and then to estimate the capability requirements needed to address these risks. Having determined the requirements, the next step is to build and sustain target capabilities. The fourth component is an integrated approach for developing and implementing plans to deliver the capabilities. Following implementation, it’s important to validate and monitor the progress made toward achieving the National Preparedness Goal.
And finally, the System includes reviewing and updating efforts to promote continuous improvement. As a Nation, we are most prepared to face threats and hazards when we work together. The National Preparedness System provides the approach, resources, and tools for us to work together toward achieving our goal of a secure and resilient Nation.