The dictionary defines emergency as “an unexpected and sudden event that must be dealt with urgently.” It defines preparedness as “readiness for action.” So, emergency preparedness is being ready for sudden, unexpected events. Unless there’s a crystal ball handy to predict the future, how does one prepare for the unexpected?
The key is to expect the unexpected and to focus on the symptoms vs. the causes. The first task should be to identify the potential hazards that a site is reasonably expected to be exposed to based upon geographical location. A site in Chicago should consider ice storms and blizzards whereas a site in Miami should consider hurricanes and hail. A site in southern California should consider earthquakes and wildfires whereas a site in Kansas City should be concerned with severe winds and tornados. There are good reasons that site selection and due diligence are given the importance they are when considering where to build or purchase a critical facility.