“Private sector preparedness is not a luxury; it is a cost of doing business in the post-9/11 world. It is ignored at a tremendous cost in lives, money, and national security”
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, 2004.
This information clearly points out that “private sector” involvement in preparing for extreme emergencies is essential to protecting America. The National Commission report went on to state, “It is well known that approximately 85% of that infrastructure which we consider to be ‘critical’ is owned and operated by the private sector.” Moreover, the systems and key resources operated by the private sector are integral to the safety and well-being of all citizens. In this sense, public safety is everyone’s business.
This site provides information about the NWPABCHS, its goals, and membership, as well as, links to important disaster preparedness to assist our region’s business community.
Northwest Pennsylvania Emergency Response Group (ERG) Business and Infrastructure Committee
The Business and Infrastructure Committee was formed at the request of ERG in order to fulfill the specific needs and interests of the region’s diverse business community. This committee in turn, created the NWPA Business Coalition for Homeland Security.
The Coalition’s Board of Advisers, following months of research and consultation with other national and regional initiatives, developed this initial list of program areas for further investigation and implementation:
Inventory of region assets, subject matter experts and volunteers
Create a database of physical assets, subject matter experts and volunteers, which would be beneficial in time of disaster and that would be made available for use by emergency responders.
Improved information availability and business to business communication
Support or develop communications programs that would address identified gaps in the region’s available information relative to threat and disaster preparedness and response.
Education programs
Work with federal, state and local organizations to determine Northwestern PA’s regional disaster preparedness, disaster response, and education needs. Support, encourage, and where necessary develop and deliver, training programs focused on these specific needs.
Regional threat and vulnerability assessment capability
Work with other regional initiatives, state and local agencies, and ERG emergency responders, to ensure that the region has an adequate program and necessary competencies in the area of threat and vulnerability assessment.
