Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
After a Hurricane EPH professionals are most active after a hurricane. Their roles include the following actions: 1. Conducting rapid EPH assessments to identify immediate risks. 2. Ensuring safe drinking water by testing water sources, implementing boil water advisories (BWA) when necessary, and working to restore safe water systems. 3. Monitoring food safety , especially in areas affected by power outages, and providing guidance on safe food handling and storage. 4. Assessing and mitigating risks from sewage overflows and wastewater treatment system failures . 5. Identifying and addressing hazardous materials (HAZMAT) releases from damaged industrial facilities or flooded households. 6. Implementing vector control measures to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in areas with standing water. 7. Providing guidance on safe cleanup of mold and other biological contaminants in flood-damaged buildings. 8. Monitoring air quality , particularly in areas affected by burning debris or increased generator use. 9. Ensuring proper management and disposal of disaster debris to prevent environmental contamination. 10. Conducting health and safety assessments of emergency shelters and temporary housing . 11. Providing public education on EPH risks and protective measures . 12. Collaborating with other agencies and jurisdictions to coordinate EPH response efforts. 13. Participating in mutual aid agreements , such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), to share resources, expertise, and personnel across STLT lines when local capabilities are overwhelmed. 14. Ensuring proper credentialing under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to validate qualifications and authorize specific functions, especially when crossing state lines. 15. Operating within various coordination facilities , such as the Incident Command Post (ICP), EOC, or Joint Information Center (JIC), depending on the scale and phase of the response. Throughout all phases, EPH professionals play a critical role in risk communication by helping to translate complex EPH information into actionable guidance for the public and policymakers. They also contribute to long-term recovery efforts, which assist in building community resilience against future hurricane impacts. The effectiveness of EPH professionals in these roles often depends on their ability to navigate the complex interactions between national and STLT response systems by adapting their approach to the specific governance and incident management structures of the affected area. This includes understanding and utilizing various mutual aid agreements, from international to local levels, and being familiar with the NIMS resource typing system, which categorizes EPH professionals as EPH generalists, specialists, or team leaders. EPH professionals may also be part of specialized EPH Strike Teams, which can be deployed before or after a hurricane through mutual aid agreements like EMAC. These teams provide crucial support to affected jurisdictions, bringing additional expertise and resources to enhance the overall hurricane response and recovery efforts.
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