Kansas Emergency Preparedness Ranking
By: Jeremiah Cook
Updated: January 9, 2013
COLUMBUS, KS.--- The annual "Ready Or Not?" report ranked Kansas and Montana as the 2 least-prepared states, based on a 10 point scale. Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation compile the report each year.
The survey uses areas to assess each state's readiness, including whether the state participates in a nurse licenser compact, and whether licensed child-care facilities are required to have multi-hazard evacuation plans. Local officials say the survey is misleading, and doesn't take into account important factors like public education and awareness.
"We want to be as proactive as we can. If everybody understands what emergency responders are trying to do, or if they're preparing themselves, it just makes it easier for emergency responders," states Jason Allison, Cherokee County Emergency Manager.
In a written statement, Governor Sam Brownback says "The report does not provide an accurate and thorough picture of the state's readiness to respond, and Kansas has proven its ability to respond to emergencies many, many times."
The survey uses areas to assess each state's readiness, including whether the state participates in a nurse licenser compact, and whether licensed child-care facilities are required to have multi-hazard evacuation plans. Local officials say the survey is misleading, and doesn't take into account important factors like public education and awareness.
"We want to be as proactive as we can. If everybody understands what emergency responders are trying to do, or if they're preparing themselves, it just makes it easier for emergency responders," states Jason Allison, Cherokee County Emergency Manager.
In a written statement, Governor Sam Brownback says "The report does not provide an accurate and thorough picture of the state's readiness to respond, and Kansas has proven its ability to respond to emergencies many, many times."
