Public health threats are always present. They include natural disasters; biological, chemical, and radiological incidents; and explosions. The impact of these threats can range from local outbreaks to incidents with national or global ramifications. The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic underscored the importance of communities being prepared for potential threats. Being prepared to prevent, respond to, and rapidly recover from public health threats can protect the health and safety of the public and emergency responders.

Public health preparedness is ongoing. Preparing adequately for public health emergencies requires continual and coordinated efforts that involve every level of government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals.

District of Columbia Department of Health core capabilities include surveillance and epidemiology, the Public Health Lab, and response readiness activities that include communicating, planning, exercising, and evaluating.

This information taken from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Emergency Preparedness website.