PREPARE Act

Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness And Resilient Enterprises Act or the PREPARE Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 a pre-disaster mitigation program, administered by the Small Business Administration, for disbursing economic injury disaster loans to small businesses for protection of real estate, equipment, inventory, supplies, and materials. The bill also increases the amount for loans to take mitigating actions to protect damaged or destroyed property from possible future disasters.

The PREPARE Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2966, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving disaster preparedness and response at the federal, state, and local levels. The bill focuses on enhancing coordination and communication between different levels of government, as well as with non-governmental organizations and private sector partners.

One key aspect of the PREPARE Act is the establishment of a National Preparedness Grant Program, which would provide funding to states and localities for disaster preparedness activities such as training, exercises, and equipment purchases. This program aims to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to enhance overall readiness for emergencies.

Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a National Preparedness Strategy, which would outline the goals and priorities for disaster preparedness efforts across the country. This strategy would be updated regularly to reflect changing threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that the nation remains proactive in its approach to disaster response. The PREPARE Act also emphasizes the importance of incorporating the needs of vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities, into disaster planning and response efforts. This includes ensuring that emergency shelters are accessible and accommodating to all individuals, regardless of their specific needs. Overall, the PREPARE Act seeks to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to disasters of all types, from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to man-made emergencies such as terrorist attacks. By promoting collaboration and coordination among all levels of government and stakeholders, the bill aims to enhance the resilience of communities and minimize the impact of disasters on the American people.