Preparedness & Response

Mission

Public health preparedness and response protects the public's health in disaster situations such as infectious diseases, severe weather, natural disasters, chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological events. The Onslow County Health Department works to protect the public's health before, during, and after any disaster situation.
be prepared

Role


The North Carolina Public Health Preparedness and Response program was created in 2002, to establish preparedness and response efforts among local health departments. The Onslow County Health Department is part of North Carolina's Eastern Region team. Each region works alongside state specialists to strengthen their preparedness and response program. 

The Onslow County Health Department has developed plans and guidelines for how we should protect residents during emergencies and disasters that could occur within the county. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) help guide our planning. Onslow County Health Department, community partners, and first responders test our plans. Results of those tests guide any needed updates to the plans.

The Onslow County Health Department works to address the following main areas of preparedness that impact the public's health:
  • Preparing for and recovering from emergencies
  • Coordinating an effective response
  • Making sure people have information to take action
  • Getting medicines and supplies where they are needed
  • Expanding medical services to handle large events
  • Investigating and identifying public health threats