Leaders of cities and counties must agree upon, achieve, and maintain a minimum level of preparedness possible with current resources, then build upon those capabilities. The paper suggests the following first steps for preparedness: (1) systematically evaluate current capabilities and deficiencies in responding to an incident; (2) perform a risk assessment and vulnerability analysis of the community; (3) ensure that local hospitals are prepared to treat victims of a terrorist attack; (4) evaluate the capabilities of the fire department to respond to hazmat incidents; (5) meet with emergency medical services to assess their current scope of practice as it pertains to terrorist events and to discuss issues such as personal protective equipment and transportation of contaminated victims; (6) provide frequent, brief training programs to medical personnel to ensure their participation in the preparedness process; (7) develop mutual aid agreements with surrounding communities; and (8) incorporate the business community into the planning process. The paper includes a list of resources to help prepare for terrorism and other disasters. Figures