The terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001 was a catalyst for significant changes in emergency management nationwide. This tragic event spurred conversations and vigilant efforts at the local, state, and national levels on being prepared in the face of an emergency. Consequently, through new technology, heightened training, and increased interagency collaborations, the nation is, arguably, more prepared for a disaster than it ever has been before.

Select a health department and respond to the following questions regarding advancement in emergency preparedness:

• How has emergency preparedness changed since the September 11, 2001 attacks?

• How do you think the roles and responsibilities of local health departments in emergency preparedness should relate to national efforts?

• Describe the emergency preparedness efforts of your local health department or a health department of your choice. Support your responses using information from the department's website or other published materials.

Data is critical in all the phases of emergency planning and response. They can be used to assess vulnerabilities in the case of an emergency, make informed decisions during an emergency, and evaluate the success or effectiveness of a response post an emergency.
Respond to the following discussion points in relation to use of data in emergency planning:

• Identify sources of data used to plan and prepare for emergencies.

• Explain how these sources of data are used by professionals as part of the emergency planning process.