The functions of emergency management have been performed for decades, both by government and private agencies. Only recently have the concepts of managing emergencies been developed, which has led to Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM). The CEM concept used for handling disasters and their consequences was institutionalized in 1979 with the creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Five federal agencies that dealt individually with many types of agencies were consolidated into FEMA, and the former "Civil Defense" program evolved into the current "Emergency Management" concept.

The name change also changed the orientation away from preparing for single hazards to the practice of preparing with an all-hazards approach against potential threats to life and property. This change helped to increase the emergency management response capability for any major emergency.

The concept of Comprehensive Emergency Management consists of, and is based upon, three interrelated components:

1. All types of hazards: Many types of technological and natural disasters have commonalities between them, which suggest that many of the same management strategies can apply to all such emergencies;
2. An emergency management partnership: The disaster management burden, and the associated resources, require a close working partnership among all levels of government and the private sector;
3. An emergency lifecycle: Disasters do not just suddenly occur. Disasters exist throughout time and they have a lifecycle of occurrence which must be matched by a series of management phases. These phases include strategies to mitigate hazards, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of the emergencies.

Every year, the news media reports on disasters that occur around the world. Watching these reports tend to make us think about what would happen if a similar event occurred in Hampton. To parents with young children or elderly family members, these thoughts may be even more troubling. How well are businesses, schools, medical facilities and other community activities prepared to cope with a local disaster? For those who have lived through a disaster, what would you do differently than the last time? The answer to these questions is very clear: be prepared!

When the local government, private sector agencies, and each individual in the community is prepared, they will be grateful should an emergency occur. When they are not prepared, the general public and the media will demand to know why. It is important to take the time and effort to become familiar with your school, business, or other appropriate emergency operations plan. You must also develop a family disaster plan and practice drills, so each member knows what to do.