Infographic: In an Emergency You Can't Respond Effectively if You're not Ready

In an Emergency, You Can’t Respond Effectively if You’re not Ready

Why It Matters

Every community in the U.S. must be ready to respond to a pandemic, natural disaster, or chemical or radiological release. Our action – or inaction- in this area directly impacts the health of the American people and is a matter of national security.

Public Health Threats

• Biological Threats: like viruses (flu, or other infectious diseases), bacteria, parasites, fungi or their toxins that can cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants.
• Natural Disasters: like heat waves, snow or ice storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.
• Chemical and Radiological Materials: that if released accidentally or intentionally could create large-scale public health emergencies, especially in densely populated areas.

A Well Prepared Country

• Can stop outbreaks before they become epidemics
• Can quickly recognize and respond to terrorist attacks
• Can get help to people affected by natural disasters
• Is fortified against the expected, and can quickly pivot to handle the unexpected

Why CDC?

• Prepare: We make sure people are trained, systems are functioning, and critical medicines and supplies are available before an emergency strikes
• Respond: We combine emergency management expertise and the world’s best scientist to monitor and respond to emergencies 24/7
• Connect: We have a track record of working effectively with state and local health de[artments, federal partners, and across CDC to get fast results and communicate accurate and timely information when lives are at stake

Ready for Emergencies

• Emergency Operations: When every minute counts
• State and Local Readiness: Every response is local
• Strategic National Stockpile: A wise investment in protecting America’s health
• Safeguarding Research: Keeping lifesaving research safe and secure
• Laboratory Response: On the front lines of America’s health
• Global Emergency Preparedness: Disease knows no borders

During Emergencies, CDC:

• Rapidly deploys scientific experts
• Coordinates the delivery of supplies and equipment to the incident site
• Monitors response activities
• Provides resources to state and local public health departments
• Disseminates timely and accurate information