Preparedness Bureau

The Preparedness Bureau works closely with local, state, federal, volunteer, and private sector partners in efforts to assist processes for identifying priority capabilities and that defines common solutions by tailoring activities that can achieve optimal and reasonable levels of preparedness. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and this Branch supports initiatives through training, exercises, and outreach programming that address all-hazards issues. 

The functions carried out by the Preparedness Branch can be defined under the programs of:

Training Program

To ensure prepared and capable responders, the Training Program develops, delivers, and coordinates homeland security and emergency management training and education activities which enhance the capacity to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all hazards, natural or human caused.

  • The Training Program utilizes resources from Federal, State, and non-governmental partners to ensure that all training activities support identified capabilities, priorities, needs, and lessons learned. 
  • This program integrates and coordinates training activities into all preparedness, planning, response, and recovery missions. 
  • Alignment of local and State capabilities focused on State and national priorities is achieved through regular training evaluations, needs assessments, strategic curricula guidelines, and institutionalized training opportunities.

Exercise Program

Next to actual occurrences, exercises are the primary tool for assessing preparedness and identifying areas for improvement, while demonstrating sustainable solutions and priorities. The aim of exercises allows participating entities and systems to address gaps and vulnerabilities in a safe environment.

The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program is the foundation of the statewide Exercise Program which provides partners with a standardized policy, methodology, and terminology for exercise development, conduct and evaluation processes. This program also provides resources and technical assistance to facilitate the management of self-sustaining exercise programs statewide.