Planning for emergencies is critical to safety. Effective planning can reduce the disruption, trauma and costs of disasters -- saving lives, property and the environment.

Basic elements of emergency planning

• Conduct a hazard vulnerability analysis to identify potential hazards to life and property
• Identify resources and strategies to minimize or eliminate hazards
• Develop a plan to obtain resources and enact strategies
• Clearly identify immediate response actions when disaster threatens or strikes
• Update the plan as necessary to accommodate changing conditions

Learn more The importance of planning The city's emergency plans   Developing specific plans for: Residents Businesses Schools