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​​​Planning

All of us  from individuals, to families, to businesses and institutions, to governments  must be responsible to protect the lives and property of those who depend on us from whatever emergencies may arise.

By their very nature, emergencies are chaotic. A planning process will reduce this chaos and ensure that we can provide that protection. This process should include understanding the threats and what can happen, knowing what resources can be available to help, learning how to react to the situation, and coordinating with individuals and organizations who we will depend on during the emergency.

Asking questions and coordinating during non-disaster times allows us to avoid conflicts or indecision when seconds count. Knowing what to expect of others, and how we will react ourselves, may make the difference between survival and becoming a victim of the emergency.

PEMA provides a series of community planning guides, sample plans, and other resources for use by organizations in the commonwealth. Advice and sample plans for individuals and families can be found by visiting ready.gov.

THIRA and SPR

Every year, the commonwealth and its two Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASI)  Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are required to complete a Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment/Stakeholder Preparedness Review (THIRA/SPR) in order to maintain federal preparedness grant eligibility.

These reports help PEMA identify and assess the impact of the threats and hazards that Pennsylvania and the UASIs face. The SPR acts as a report card on preparedness, identifying strong core capabilities and areas for improvement.

These areas for improvement drive PEMA's priorities for planning, training, exercises, and resource management for the upcoming year.

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Climate Change Resources

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

U.S. Government: