Public Health Is Emergency Preparedness, Too

Published on September 01, 2026

When we think about emergency preparedness, we may picture emergency managers, first responders, shelters, or people stocking up on bottled water. But emergency preparedness is also public health.

Public health plays an important role before, during, and after emergencies. Our work helps communities prepare for the health impacts of disasters, respond when emergencies happen, and recover afterward.

In Outagamie County, public health may be involved in a wide range of emergency situations. This can include severe weather, flooding, extreme heat, infectious disease outbreaks, power outages, hazardous materials incidents, and other events that can affect the health and safety of our community.

Public health is always working to help make sure our community is prepared. Did you know we even have an emergency preparedness and response specialist on staff? We plan with community partners, maintain emergency response plans, monitor health concerns, provide public information, coordinate resources, and help identify the needs of people who may be especially vulnerable during an emergency.

When a disaster happens, public health may also be on the ground helping communities respond. This can include providing information about safe drinking water, food safety, mold, medications, carbon monoxide, sanitation, vaccinations, and other health concerns that can arise during recovery.

But emergency preparedness is not something public health can do alone. A resilient community is one where individuals, families, organizations, and agencies all play a part.

To prepare yourself and your family for a disaster, let’s focus on three things:

1) Know Your Risks

2) Make a Plan

3) Take Action

Know Your Risks

Understand the risks you and your family may face. Most communities face many types of hazards. It is important to learn the risks specific to your home and the ways to assess your risks if you are away from home. Know how and when to take action before, during, and after different hazards.

Example: One of the more frequent year-round risks for Outagamie County is severe weather. While not all severe weather results in major damage, one of the most common impacts to our lives is a power outage. If the power to your home were to go out, what does that mean for you? What are basic needs that you have? Do you stay at home or do you have another location you can go to? Who can you contact to make sure others are aware of your situation?

Make A Plan

Make a communications plan and prepare for both evacuating and sheltering. Prepare for your family’s unique needs with customized plans and supplies. In addition, use your social networks to help friends and family members prepare and participate in community-wide disaster preparedness activities. Moreover, you should gather emergency supplies and secure the information and important documents you will need to start your recovery.

Example: Start by building a simple emergency kit that will help you in the first 24 hours. Items should include food/water, flashlight, first aid kit, change of clothes and a list of your prescription medications. What you include in your kit is completely up to you…think about additional needs if you have children or pets. Have powered medical devices such as a CPAP machine or oxygen generator? Consider a generator to ensure your health needs aren’t compromised.

Take Action

Put your plan into action. Be ready and able to face disasters, no matter where you are and when they occur. It is important to get the insurance you need and understand your coverage options. Moreover, you should make a list of your personal property and its condition and protect your property by considering how to minimize damage. Practice your disaster plans, take advantage of existing alert and warning systems, and explore ways to serve your community.

Example: Once you have your plan and emergency kit, make sure others are aware that you are prepared. Encourage family, friends, co-workers to also do the same.

Start Today

When you know your risks, have a plan, and take action, you are not only protecting yourself and your family—you are helping strengthen the health and resilience of your entire community.

Public health is emergency preparedness. And you are part of it, too.

Start today. Know your risks. Make a plan. Take action.

Source: Ready.gov – “Are You Ready Guide” https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide.pdf