Environmental Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework
In 2022, we developed the Environmental Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery capability framework to better outline and define the roles and responsibilities of environmental public health (EPH) during disasters. We created a draft set of standards to assist state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) jurisdictions with their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from, emergencies. The framework's set of 15 functional areas provides a basis for jurisdictional public health agencies to structure their EPH emergency preparedness planning and solidify their agency’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 role(s) with emergency management partners across sectors.
Each function is a priority EPH area essential to address in emergency management. These include ensuring the safety of:
- Indoor and outdoor air quality
- Food and water
- Waste management, treatment, and disposal
- Building/facility and shelter
- Vector control and pest management
The capability framework is divided into 15 functional areas, with corresponding tasks. Tasks provide tactical-level explanations of functions that may need to be performed by governmental, non-governmental, and private sector entities.
During a disaster, there may be a need to increase the number of people performing a task, which can be performed by a combination of governmental agencies at different levels as well as people from across the sector (e.g., private sector, non-governmental agencies). Agencies are not expected to be independently responsible for all tasks, as the ability to achieve the functions relies heavily on partnerships. Additionally, agency functions may vary across jurisdictions. It is important to understand that the capability framework serves as a reference document and planning guide to EPH preparedness and does not serve as a prescription for program or resource requirements.
While not specifically listed as a capability function, the EPH workforce is continuously involved in cross-cutting functions. These functions include:
- Communication, including risk communication
- Responder safety
- Assuring health equity during emergencies and disasters
For example, EPH operates through appropriate National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) communication channels to communicate environmental public health risks and provide suggested actions to the public. Emergency disaster responders need to prioritize personal safety, including the use of PPE and situational awareness regarding potential health risks they are likely to encounter while engaging in response and recovery efforts. Additionally, to address health equity, EPH maintains situational awareness of vulnerable populations and ensures disaster response is conducted equitably among affected populations.