Preparedness Is a Form of Respect

By Mitch Lartigue

We often talk about emergency preparedness in terms of checklists: supplies, protocols, evacuation plans. But at its core, preparedness is more than a task—it’s a mindset. And I believe it’s one of the deepest forms of respect we can show.

It’s respect for the people we serve.
For the systems we rely on.
For the environment that sustains us.

Working in emergency management and public health has shown me how fragile our world can be. One shift in the weather, one overload in the system, one gap in communication—and we’re reminded of how closely everything is connected. And yet, with that fragility comes an opportunity: to build systems that anticipate risk, not just react to it.

True preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about responsibility. It’s acknowledging that our communities don’t exist in a vacuum. That environmental health, infrastructure, and equity all play a role in how we respond to crisis—and how we recover from it.

If we want stability, we can’t just plan for emergencies. We have to plan with the environment in mind. That means sustainable building, resilient energy systems, floodplain planning, and public health integration. It means asking, “What if?” not from a place of panic, but from a place of purpose.

Preparedness is how we respect the unpredictability of nature and the dignity of human life at the same time. It’s not about controlling everything. It’s about being ready—and helping others feel ready too.