top of page
Search

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Emergency Managers—and How to Make Them Happen

Lead the Year with Clarity, Discipline, and Resolve


In emergency management and business continuity, every year brings new complexities—hybrid threats, evolving risks, and rising expectations from stakeholders who depend on us when it matters most.

 

As leaders, our job isn’t just to respond; it’s to set direction, build capability, and institutionalize resilience. That starts with clear commitments and disciplined follow-through.


This year, let’s anchor our programs in 10 practical resolutions that translate intent into action: sharpening plans, strengthening cyber resilience, elevating communication, deepening partnerships, investing in people, refining risk assessments, optimizing resources, leveraging technology, championing team well-being, and cultivating a preparedness culture.

 

These aren’t checkboxes—they’re the backbone of credible, repeatable readiness. When we operationalize them with cadence, metrics, and accountability, we don’t just improve. We build trust with our teams, our leadership, and the communities/stakeholders we serve.


The goal is simple: be predictably excellent when the unpredictable happens. Let’s set the tone for the year with purpose and precision.

 

1.   Update and Test Emergency Plans

Action Plan:

 

  • Q1: Review all emergency response and continuity plans.

  • Q2: Schedule a tabletop exercise with key stakeholders.

  • Q3: Document lessons learned and update plans.

  • Q4: Conduct a full-scale exercise.

 

2.   Strengthen Cyber Resilience

Action Plan:

 

  • Integrate cyber scenarios into emergency plans.

  • Conduct a joint cyber incident tabletop exercise.

  • Test backups and recovery procedures quarterly.

  • Update escalation contact lists.

 

3.   Enhance Communication Protocols

Action Plan:

 

  • Audit notification systems for accuracy and redundancy.

  • Update contact lists monthly or set up an automated feed between HR systems and communication tools.

  • Test all channels quarterly.

  • Train staff on alternative communication methods.

 

4.   Build Community Partnerships

Action Plan:

 

  • Identify key local agencies and private-sector partners.

  • Schedule quarterly coordination meetings.

  • Develop mutual aid agreements.

  • Join regional emergency management forums.

 

5.   Invest in Training

Action Plan:

 

  • Create an annual training calendar.

  • Include cross-training for critical roles.

  • Add crisis leadership and situational awareness modules.

  • Track completion and effectiveness.

  • Create a professional development plan and stick to it, be sure to include programs on AI and other emerging technology.

 

6.   Conduct Risk Assessments

Action Plan:

 

  • Update hazard vulnerability analysis.

  • Include climate, supply chain, third-party, and cyber risks.

  • Share findings with leadership.

  • Adjust plans based on updated risk profiles and tolerances.

 

7.   Improve Resource Management

Action Plan:

 

  • Inventory supplies regularly, at least on a quarterly basis.

  • Replace expired or outdated items.

  • Explore mutual aid agreements.

  • Implement digital asset tracking.

 

8.   Embrace Technology

Action Plan:

 

  • Evaluate and integrate AI into your program.

  • Adopt tools for real-time incident tracking.

  • Train staff on new platforms.

  • Use analytics for decision-making.

  • Review tech annually for upgrades.

 

9.   Focus on Mental Health & Team Resilience

Action Plan:

 

  • Develop a wellness program.

  • Provide counseling and stress resources.

  • Schedule resilience training.

  • Monitor morale during high-stress events.

 

10. Advocate for a Preparedness Culture

Action Plan:

 

  • Launch internal campaigns on personal preparedness.

  • Share monthly tips via email or intranet.

  • Host workshops for employees and community.

  • Recognize preparedness champions.

 

From Resolution to Reputation

 

Resolutions are powerful—but only if they become routine. The actions outlined here are designed to be executed, measured, and refined. If we commit to quarterly rhythm, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, we will transform these resolutions into a reputation for reliability.


Leadership in emergency management is measured in moments, but earned over months: the drills we run, the partnerships we nurture, the risks we reassess, the technologies we deploy, and the care we show for our people. When the next crisis comes—and it will—we’ll draw on the discipline we built and the trust we maintained.


This year, let’s lead with clarity, invest in capability, and relentlessly pursue resilience. The communities we protect deserve nothing less—and our teams are ready to deliver.

 

Author: Edward Wurster, III, Manager, Business Continuity and Cyber Resilience

 



 
 
 
bottom of page