ACT forums dealing with emergencies are required to conduct emergency preparedness and response planning, organize and coordinate the emergency response in their areas of operation. The development and periodic updating of Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs) are mandatory to all forums. 9 The objective of the EPRP is to develop a common understanding of potential disasters in the area and how the ACT forum will respond to these disasters. Members intending to access funding from ACTs humanitarian response mechanism, can only do so if the forum has an updated EPRP.