To help  communities, government, and individuals better prepare in advance of disasters we are recommending the implementation of a web based database resource. The Disaster Preparedness Assessment System (DPAS) would be an interactive web site that collects, disseminates, and assesses information from communities, individuals and government.

The system records and displays information in the following topics:

Community Definition

Local officials and FEMA define the local community in terms of population, demographic, and geographic information.

 Disaster Anticipation

Local individuals and government officials define the types of disasters and precursors that are peculiar to the local community. Validated information can be elevated in the database by FEMA.

Resource Availability

Local individuals and government officials define the type and location of resources that are available within the community that could be used to provide support during a disaster. These resources would include resources such as equipment, food, water, transports, trained personnel, hospital facilities, emergency housing, emergency power, etc. Validated information can be elevated in the database by FEMA

Preparedness Rating

Based upon the types of disasters anticipated, community definition, and resource availability the DPAS system generates an automated preparedness rating by disaster type for communities and individuals. Individuals, FEMA and the local communities can use this rating to assess risks and continuously improve their preparedness. The preparedness rating system also sends out reminders for information to be updated on a periodic basis. This ensures that that high preparedness levels are maintained on all levels.