Planning includes an effort at forecasting events. A disaster or disease outbreak might be local, national or worldwide. It could be of short or long duration. We need to think about how to prepare for loss of our power sources and modes of transportation as well as for the lack of everyday goods and services. Social distancing – preventing disease transmission by avoiding large groups of people in schools, social events, worship services, etc. – might also become a necessity.

In order for a plan to be comprehensive, it must include preparing for all foreseeable eventualities. To help with that process, please review the Emergency Response Planning Checklists.