Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP)

We work to teach you how to protect your health in case of natural disasters or public health emergencies. We are your source for information on how to prepare yourself for emergencies, diseases and weather disasters.

Volunteering

If you would like to be a Maryland Response volunteer, register and join at Maryland Responds.

Role of the Health Department in an Emergency

The Prince George’s County Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) develops preparedness plans for mass dispensing of medication and vaccinations, conducts disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigations, survey's emergency communications, assesses electronic laboratory test reporting, conducts professional workforce training, and facilitates and partakes in exercises and drills.

Staff Expertise

The PHEP staff is experienced in Emergency Preparedness, and consists of staff specialists in:

  • Disease control
  • Environmental health
  • Hazardous materials
  • Incident command
  • Nursing

Responsibilities

PHEP is responsible for the coordination of all Health related responses to emergencies by efficiently mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from any natural, technological or manmade emergency or disaster, regardless of size or complexity, including acts of terrorism.

  • Mitigation - the reduction or elimination of future risk
  • Preparedness - practice state of readiness to respond
  • Response - immediate reaction or relief that saves lives
  • Recovery - process of repair and restoration

Additional Information

Fact Sheets

  1. Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Fact Sheet (PDF)