Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) means making sure our community is ready for emergencies that affect people’s health. This includes preventing problems, staying safe, responding quickly, and helping the community recover. Being prepared means planning ahead, working together, and fixing problems when they happen.
The Onondaga County Health Department helps keep our community safe and healthy by focusing on:
Prevention: We work to stop health problems before they start. We watch for illnesses, share health information, and check food, water, and other places to keep people healthy.
Protection: We make sure people are protected during health threats. We maintain supplies like medicine and equipment, protect drinking water, and support people who need extra help during emergencies.
Mitigation: We work to lessen the harm when a public health threat happens. We share clear guidance, partner with community partners, and take steps to slow the spread of illness.
Response: During an emergency, we act quickly. We follow emergency plans, help contain disease, set up clinics for vaccine or medicine, and send trained staff where they are needed.
Recovery: After an emergency, we help the community return to normal. We reconnect with residents, clean up and repair affected areas, check on people’s health, and review what worked so we can improve for the future.
How You Can Prepare
Learn about the kinds of emergencies that can happen where you live and know how they could affect you and your family.
