The Preparedness Division is responsible for exercises, mitigation, natural hazards, NIMS, training, technological hazards and support county emergency management agencies in preparing both local and state agencies to respond to disasters. The office is divided into the Planning and NET (NIMS, Exercise and Training) Branches.

The Planning Branch is responsible for maintaining and revising the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan as well as working with county emergency management agencies in maintaining their emergency plans. The branch also oversees the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program that is responsible for developing offsite radiological emergency plans, participating in exercises and drills with the Browns Ferry Nuclear Facility near Decatur and Farley Nuclear Facility near Dothan and maintenance and calibration of radiological instruments. The branch also oversees the agency's Hazardous Materials and Waste Isolation Pilot Programs. Those programs assist Local Emergency Planning Committees with their response plans for hazardous materials and nuclear waste shipments. The branch also oversees the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program that is responsible for developing offsite emergency plans, participating in exercises and drills with the Anniston Army Depot near Anniston. The branch also oversees the mitigation program that is responsible for mitigating the state against natural disasters/events which impact the State of Alabama.

The NIMS, Exercise, and Training Branch offers training for all levels of government, private industry, and volunteer organizations. The branch can help communities with all emergency management exercises, including assisting with scenario development and evaluating or acting as a controller/simulator during an exercise.

For more information about the Preparedness Division, please call (205) 280-2200.