“Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services... People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.”
Presidential Policy Directive PPD-8 National Preparedness
Recognizing that preparedness is a shared responsibility, it calls for the involvement of everyone—not just the government—in preparedness efforts.
Whole Community includes:
Individuals and families, including those with access and functional needs
All Businesses both large and small
Faith-based and community organizations
Nonprofit groups
Schools and academia
Media outlets
All levels of government, including state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal partners
By working together, everyone can keep the nation safe from harm and resilient when struck by hazards, such as natural disasters, like earthquakes.