DHS Releases National Preparedness Guidelines, Target Capabilities

September 13, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today publication of two important tools to organize and synchronize national efforts to strengthen preparedness: (1) the National Preparedness Guidelines, which establish a vision for national preparedness and provide a systematic approach for prioritizing preparedness efforts across the Nation; and (2) the Target Capabilities List (TCL), which describes the collective national capabilities required to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

According to the announcement, the Guidelines were developed through an extensive process that involved more than 1,500 federal, state and local officials, and more than 120 national associations, and replace the Interim National Preparedness Goal issued on March 31, 2005. They also integrate lessons learned following Hurricane Katrina and a 2006 review of states’ and major cities’ emergency operations and evacuation plans.

The vision is stated as, "A NATION PREPARED with coordinated capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards in a way that balances risk with resources and need." Eight priority areas are identified:

• Expand Regional Collaboration
• Implement the National Incident Management System and National Response Plan
• Implement the National Infrastructure Protection Plan
• Strengthen Information Sharing and Collaboration Capabilities
• Strengthen Interoperable and Operable Communications Capabilities
• Strengthen CBRNE Detection, Response, and Decontamination Capabilities
• Strengthen Medical Surge and Mass Prophylaxis Capabilities
• Strengthen Planning and Citizen Preparedness Capabilities

According to the TCL document, a Capabilities Assessment Pilot is being implemented by DHS to test and validate the effectiveness of the preparedness and performance measures and metrics in the TCL as a means of measuring preparedness. The pilot assessment consists of three stages: self assessment, on-site validation, and post assessment report and improvement.