Emergency management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risks, particularly those that have catastrophic consequences for communities, regions, or entire countries. It is the dynamic process of preparing for, mitigating, responding to and recovering from an emergency. Planning, though critical, is not the only component. Training, conducting drills, testing equipment and coordinating activities with the community are other important functions. Effective emergency management relies on the integration ofemergency plans at all levels of government and non-government, including individuals and community organizations. An emergency is any unplanned event that can cause deaths or significant injuries to the public; or that can disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, or threaten the financial standing of businesses and institutions. Obviously, numerous events can be "emergencies," including:
    •    Wildfires
    •    Hazardous materials incidents
    •    Floods or flash floods
    •    Hurricanes
    •    Tornadoes
    •    Winter storms
    •    Earthquakes
    •    Communications, public transportation, or electricity failures
    •    Radiological accidents
    •    Civil disturbances, terrorism, war
    •    Loss of key suppliers
    •    Explosions