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Shielding Communities: Public Health Strategies for Natural Hazards

Person wearing glasses, white protective suit, blue gloves, and respirator, holding up thumb in a room with mold on the walls.Public health risks are common concerns when natural hazards occur. However, history shows that the increasing frequency of events and growing population sizes have been increasing the scale of events and the needs of affected populations. To mitigate complex public health challenges, personnel across disciplines must plan, coordinate, and develop response strategies that build a mutual understanding of the risks and hazards communities face during these events.

Elegant Community Preparation

Drawing of a toolbox. Inside the box are five people, a hammer, wrench, book, heart, and water flaskElegant community preparation means having a process that makes disaster planning efforts simpler for community members. By collaboratively focusing on novel factors in an easily understood way, individuals and families can better prepare for any disaster or disruption.

Navigating the Seismic Dance: Preparedness in the Ring of Fire

top view of live volcano in blue with smoke coming upThe Pacific Ring of Fire, a moniker that evokes images of volatility and destruction, is not merely a geographic term but a constant reminder of humans’ vulnerability to the earth’s whims. Learn about the multifaceted nature of earthquake risks and delineate the indispensable role organizations play in mitigating the impacts of such calamities through informative, equitable, and persuasive techniques.

National Security: A Range of Threats

NYPD police car and other emergency vehicles behind police tape and surrounded with smokeFrom organized foreign terrorist groups to homegrown terrorists inspired by them, members of the intelligence community have indicated that the threat of attack inside the U.S. has increased to its highest point since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Communities must explore solutions to meet the ongoing challenges and “range of threats.”

Preparing for the Next Public Health Emergency

Public health is not just about pandemics but also about a wide range of threats that can affect the health and well-being of communities. In this April edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, practitioners share ways to prepare for the next public health emergency.

Sustaining Those Working in Disasters

Woman in uniform walking with a notebook, seven other men and women sitting at computers and talking on phonesThose working in emergency response roles can face periods of prolonged stress, which takes a toll on their health and well-being. It is important to know how to support them before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. By taking a hazards approach, leaders and their teams will be better equipped to navigate immense pressure without succumbing to burnout.

The Missing Plague Vials

Unattended suitcase in the middle of a populated airport terminalA true story of missing bubonic plague vials, an airport bomb threat, and other suspicious activities again demonstrate continued national and homeland security vulnerabilities and threats. Perspectives may differ, but the concerns are real and provide an opportunity to learn and prepare.

Primary Care Investments to Increase Community Resilience

Surgical mask, stethoscope, syringe and four specimen vialsCommunity health centers are medical lifelines for millions of Americans. However, financial constraints and healthcare workforce challenges strain these critical resources. New initiatives and additional investments can help communities be more resilient and continue to meet community needs during a crisis.

Mental Awareness to Enhance Preparedness

Red lightbulb with a brain on top and a cord laying underneathEmergency managers, public health officials, and first responders often stress the importance of physical fitness, but what about mental fitness? Without focused mental agility in even one of the emergency management phases, mistakes or subpar performance are likely. Learn about this author’s new acronym that can help prioritize mental health in the planning process.

The “R” Word

A dark tunnel of question marks with a bright city skyline in the centerResilience has multiple meanings for public health, emergency, and homeland security management professionals. However, the objective of building resilience should go beyond hazard mitigation. With 2024 being FEMA’s “Year of Resilience,” it is a good time for professionals to start rethinking this concept.
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