Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Coordinate with public health laboratories as appropriate. Develop initial mitigation strategies for identified EPH risks, to be included in the Incident Action Plan (IAP). Design a health monitoring and surveillance program to track potential exposures to HAZMAT among workers and responders. Contribute EPH subject-matter expertise to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Coordinate with state, tribal, local, territorial (STLT), and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure the necessary resources are available for EPH interventions, such as personnel, equipment, supplies, and funding. Continuously monitor and adapt EPH mitigation measures based on emerging risks, changing conditions, and feedback from the affected population.
Pro Tips Must Know Incident Command System (ICS)
Each incident is unique. Environmental public health’s roles within the ICS structure may vary based on the incident’s needs, the jurisdiction, and the specific skill sets of the EPH professionals involved. EPH professionals should be prepared to collaborate across sections and contribute their expertise wherever it is needed in the response effort. Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) vary at the STLT and federal level. In an EOC, EPH may be part of what is federally recognized as ESF #8: Public Health and Medical Services. Often, EPH professionals work within the Operations Section, specifically supporting the Health and Medical Branch. EPH may also contribute to the Planning Section by providing subject- matter expertise for situation reports, 3 developing EPH portions of the IAP, 4 or helping to forecast potential EPH risks. In some cases, an entire EPH Strike Team might be requested and deployed, functioning as a unit within the Operations Section. Vulnerable Population Risks Vulnerable populations may face disproportionate risks during and after hurricanes due to environmental factors and social inequities. EPH professionals should consider preexisting disparities in their communities, cumulative impacts that may arise from hurricane-induced environmental risks, access barriers, and long-term consequences that could potentially worsen existing health disparities.
3 During an incident, Situation Reports (SitReps), provide information on significant events related to the incident, including a description of the current situation, critical issues, emergency management resources, community lifelines, and upcoming planning activities. This information is often shared via an ICS-201 Form - Incident Briefing . The Incident Action Plan (IAP), which is developed during each operational period, is the result of a series of meetings and briefings that follow a specific sequence known as the Operational Period Planning Cycle, or “Planning P.” This cycle is visually represented by a diagram that illustrates the order and connections between the various meetings, work sessions, and briefings that occur throughout the planning process. 4
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