In emergency management, our mission is clear: save lives, reduce harm, and help communities recover as quickly as possible. Yet, too often, our approach unintentionally leaves some communities in worse shape than before. Achieving fairness requires understanding the difference between equality and equity—two concepts that may seem similar but have vastly different impacts on disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery.
Equality: The Same for Everyone
Equality means providing the same resources or opportunities to everyone. While this may sound fair in theory, it assumes all communities start from the same place. In reality, a one-size-fits-all approach often overlooks the fact that different communities face different risks and barriers, leaving the most vulnerable behind.
For example, if emergency evacuation instructions are only provided in English, non-English speakers won’t benefit equally. If shelter beds are distributed equally across all neighborhoods—without considering population density or existing vulnerabilities—some areas may be left without enough support. Simply put, equal distribution does not always lead to equal outcomes.
Equity: Meeting People Where They Are
Equity acknowledges that different communities have different needs. Rather than distributing resources equally, equity ensures that aid is allocated based on need. This could mean:
• Translating emergency alerts into multiple languages,
• Prioritizing accessible transportation for people with disabilities, or
• Directing more recovery funding to historically marginalized communities that lack the resources to rebuild.
Why Equity Matters
Without an equity lens, disaster response can unintentionally reinforce existing inequalities. Low-income communities, people with disabilities, and historically marginalized groups often face greater risks but receive fewer resources when aid is distributed equally rather than equitably. By prioritizing equity, emergency managers can ensure that every person—regardless of background—has a fair chance to prepare for, survive, and recover from disasters.
Moving Toward an Equitable Approach
✔ Identify vulnerabilities – Understand which communities face the greatest risks and barriers and why, including limited resources for recovery.
✔ Adapt communication and resources – Ensure outreach materials, shelters, and aid are accessible to all.
✔ Engage diverse voices – Involve community leaders from underrepresented groups in planning and decision-making.
If you do not share the lived experience of a community or look like them, you cannot speak for them. Let’s be blunt: emergency management organizations are often led by white men and women who do not reflect the communities they serve—yet many believe they can speak for everyone. As disability advocates remind us: “Nothing for us, without us.”
Equity isn’t about special treatment—it’s about ensuring everyone gets the support they need to be safe and achieve meaningful disaster recovery.
Susamma Speaks LLC 