FEMA: National preparedness continues to improve, but challenges remain

The nation continued to strengthen its preparedness in 2015, but some challenges persist and new ones have emerged, according to the 2016 National Preparedness Report by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Planning; public health, health care and emergency medical services; and risk and disaster resilience assessment are three core capabilities in which the nation has developed acceptable levels of performance for critical tasks, but that face performance declines if not maintained and updated to address emerging challenges,” the report states. In addition, the report continues to call for national improvement in cybersecurity, economic recovery, housing and infrastructure systems, and identifies natural and cultural resources and supply chain integrity and security as new areas for improvement.