Being prepared in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other large-scale emergency or public health threat is a necessary part of today’s world. On a national level, agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vigilantly work to protect and secure America. Here in Tulsa County, local organizations including the Tulsa Health Department (THD), Tulsa-area hospitals, EMSA, Law Enforcement agencies, Fire Departments, Tulsa Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency and many more have come together to create a community disaster preparedness and response plan.

As the agency charged with addressing public health concerns within Tulsa County, THD would be expected to immediately take steps to ensure public safety from diseases and other threats to mankind. The THD has developed extensive and comprehensive plans aimed at identifying and securing resources and measures essential for protecting the public. The overall goal of these plans is to minimize the impact caused by an emergency, whether natural or man-made.