A hazards risk analysis must be conducted in order to assist county health departments in planning for, responding to, and recovering from large-scale health emergencies. The results of the hazards risk analysis assist agencies and communities in prioritizing their preparation, resources, and efforts. In order to determine the appropriate hazards risk analysis instrument, an extensive literature search was conducted to identify existing instruments. Seven instruments were found that would, in part, be considered appropriate. The instruments were compared, contrasted, and evaluated. They were evaluated based on their format/structure/ease of use, the time and resources required to use the instrument, their adaptability to a bioterrorism event, and their appropriateness and applicability for use at both the public health agency level and at the community level.
An important component of any hazards risk analysis is the vulnerability assessment. Although some of the vulnerability assessment components found in the tools adequately address the needs of their specific disciplines, none was sufficiently comprehensive or could be applied to a public health agency or a community. Therefore, a vulnerability assessment component that is appropriate for use by public health agencies and communities has been designed. This paper will describe the process of the evaluation of the existing instruments, the design of the resultant instrument (including the vulnerability component), and how the subsequent instrument can be utilized.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe what 4 focus areas should be included in a vulnerability assessment instrument utilized by public health agencies. 2. List the 2 major components of a hazards risk analysis.
Keywords: Disasters, Health Departments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.