What is Emergency Preparedness?
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Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 public health has received federal funding to assist with planning for emergency response. The funding allowed for additional public health positions such as epidemiologists and an emergency planning coordinator to prepare and respond to public health emergencies. Following the 9/11 attacks, public health realized the importance for having plans for any potential bioterrorist attack along with many other disasters. Therefore, the local health departments began developing emergency response plans that incorporates several disasters such as: natural disasters, severe weather conditions, environmental emergencies, chemical releases, terrorist attacks, communicable disease, and pandemics.
Today, the local health departments have plans in place for the potential hazards that may occur in our communities. Along with these plans, the local health departments have been collaborating with several community partner agencies to assure response plans are integrated. This has also allowed for the building of strong relationships which has proven critical in response efforts.
One important aspect that all individuals can assist with in planning, is to develop your own plan and have a supply kit ready if an emergency arises. Check out these important links below: