Local public health departments, local emergency medical services agencies (LEMSA) and the Department of Homeland Security, are all working together to test readiness for various scenarios. Hospitals should participate in the planning for these events as well as working with the Hazard Vulnerability Analysis for each hospital to coordinate community participation with the specific needs of the hospital.
Joint planning and sharing HVAs with community partners is an excellent way to demonstrate community involvement and participation by the hospital. Hospitals should maintain minutes and rosters from Hospital Preparedness Program meetings and any other planning events to demonstrate participation.