The horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 sadly reminded our entire country about the importance of emergency preparedness. Emergencies can take the form of many different events from severe weather to infectious disease outbreaks to terrorism. Over the last few years, this country has faced catastrophes that demonstrate more work still needs to be done in the area of emergency preparedness. Public health has been planning, preparing, and training to be able to respond to whatever emergencies may arise in the coming years.

Charged with the lead in a response to biological disasters, the local Health Department now ranks as a member of the public safety community shield which includes the Police Department and the Fire Department. The Police Department fights crime, the Fire Department fights fire and other mechanical disasters, and the Health Department fights disease.

All Georgians are urged to include emergency preparedness in their short-term and long-term planning. We live in a different age, one in which the threat of disasters, both natural and man-made, sometimes seem imminent. The need to be prepared has never been greater.

New National Symbol for Emergency Management Unveiled

The new icon replaces the old civil defense symbol, a relic from the Cold War. The old civil defense symbols were used in public service campaigns for the same reason the new symbol is being introduced: to inspire people to become more involved in their own protection and preparedness. Read More

Home Health Care Preparedness and Response Resources

Threat Topics

Educational videos and module training from the Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats and Emory University's Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center:

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