Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)

Public Health Emergency Preparedness in Crow Wing County

Crow Wing County has the primary responsibility for assuring the overall health and safety of the community in the event of any disaster—whether natural, technological, or human-caused. Public health emergencies can pose significant health risks, including physical injury, disease outbreaks, and psychological stress. These events can overwhelm healthcare systems, disrupt essential services, and impact vulnerable populations disproportionately.

To address these challenges, Crow Wing County Public Health continually collaborates with local municipalities, healthcare providers, emergency responders, and state and federal agencies to strengthen our public health emergency preparedness capabilities. While preparing for the next pandemic remains a key focus, our planning extends to a wide range of possible emergencies.

Scenarios Addressed in Public Health Emergency Preparedness

In addition to infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics, we prepare for the following types of public health emergencies:

• Natural Disasters

  Events such as tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, and severe winter storms can cause injuries, damage infrastructure, and lead to displacement and water or food safety issues.

• Chemical and Hazardous Material Incidents

  Accidents involving hazardous substances—such as industrial spills, train derailments, or agricultural chemical releases—can result in air, water, or soil contamination, requiring coordinated decontamination and medical response.

• Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies

  Though less common, events involving radioactive materials, whether accidental or intentional, require rapid identification, exposure management, and long-term health monitoring.

• Bioterrorism and Biological Threats

  The intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs can cause mass illness and panic. Preparedness includes surveillance, rapid vaccination or prophylaxis, and interagency coordination.

• Mass Casualty and Mass Gathering Events

  Large events, whether planned or spontaneous (e.g., fairs, protests, sporting events), present public health risks including crowd injuries, heat-related illnesses, or intentional harm.

• Water and Food Safety Emergencies

  Contaminated food or water sources—such as from agricultural runoff or infrastructure failures—can lead to widespread gastrointestinal illness and require public advisories and coordinated responses.

• Cyberattacks on Public Health Infrastructure

  Increasing reliance on digital systems means a cyberattack can disrupt access to critical medical records, emergency communications, and hospital operations.

• Mental and Behavioral Crises

  Emergencies often cause long-lasting psychological impacts. Public Health preparedness also includes planning for community mental health support, trauma recovery, and access to behavioral health services. 

How We Prepare

Crow Wing County Public Health’s preparedness efforts include:

• Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans
• Conducting trainings and simulation exercises with local partners
• Maintaining medical supply caches and planning for distribution of medications and vaccines
• Building communication strategies to quickly inform the public during an emergency
• Ensuring vulnerable populations are included in preparedness planning
• Participating in state and national emergency preparedness networks

What You Can Do

There are practical steps individuals and families can take to stay safe during a public health emergency:

• Create an emergency supply kit with food, water, medications, and essentials for at least 72 hours.
• Develop a family communication plan in case of separation during a disaster.
• Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts and following trusted sources like Crow Wing County Emergency Management and the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Get vaccinated and stay current on routine and recommended immunizations.
• Know your neighbors and check in on vulnerable community members, including the elderly and those with special needs.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility

By working together—across agencies, disciplines, and communities—Crow Wing County aims to ensure that we are ready to respond quickly and effectively to protect the health of all residents, no matter what the emergency.

Additional Resources

Translated Materials: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/translation/index.html

MDH Division for Emergency Preparedness and Response: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/index.html

Build a Kit/Make a Plan Resources: https://www.ready.gov/