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There are some limitations in the current study that could constrain external and internal validity. <br />i Falcon Heights is a predominantly white, highly educated city. The homogeneity of Falcon Heights puts the <br />population in a unique position for perceiving of social connectivity and participating in their community and <br />hence, limits the generalizability of the results to other communities. Another limitation is that the respondents <br />who returned the surveys may be characteristically different than those who did not return the survey. If so, <br />selection bias may be a threat to the internal validity of the study. Additionally, due to the small sample of <br />residents in select analyses (i.e. those who attended emergency preparedness programs), the strength of <br />statistical associations with respect to these groups is questionable and conclusions cannot confidently be <br />inferred. Finally, although the survey was created in accordance with survey design theory, the questions were <br />not validated to ensure that they accurately measured the concept of "sense of community." While the social <br />connectivity variables reflected elements of these concepts, they may not be sufficient for measuring these <br />concepts. <br />• <br />Conclusion <br />Emergency preparedness efforts in Falcon Heights appear to take two forms: organized trainings and informal neighboring behaviors. Both <br />build social capital, encourage sense of community, and serve to protect residents from negative consequences of disasters. The most <br />important step Falcon Heights can take to involve more residents in emergency preparedness is to increase their promotion of the <br />Neighborhood Liaison program. Neighborhood Liaisons have proven to be vital for enhancing perception of social connectivity, engaging <br />the least socially connected groups of the population, and publicizing community events. By simply expanding the social network in the <br />city's neighborhoods, more residents will be exposed to neighborhood resources, including emotional, informational, and instrumental <br />resources. <br />Other communities can learn valuable strategies for community organizing by looking at the model <br />Falcon Heights currently has in action. Through the development of the Neighborhood Commission, the <br />various neighborhoods in the city have been provided with greater opportunities to share their ideas and voice <br />their concerns, which ultimately contributes to the city's social capital. The strong sense of community and <br />wealth of social capital in Falcon Heights puts the city in a position to effectively mobilize around issues such <br />as emergency preparedness. Providing residents with opportunities to play an integral role in community <br />decision-making and devoting special attention to strengthening neighborhood social networks are two key <br />strategies other communities should use for enhancing their emergency preparedness infrastructure. <br />• <br />So <br />