Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)

Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) is tasked with responding to a range of public health threats—including infectious diseases; natural disasters; and biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological events. Our goal is to build a more resilient community that is prepared to deal with and rapidly recover from threats and emergencies that affect the health of the public.

A public health emergency exists when there is a potential to overwhelm the routine community capabilities established to address them.

Prepare Today!

Disasters can occur anytime, anywhere, and affect anyone. It is important for individuals to be prepared for and know how to respond to various types of emergency situations.

Make your family emergency plan
Build a Kit
Register for Nassau County and New York State Emergency Alerts
Meet your neighbors to see who might need help and ask for an emergency contact number
Contact your utility and fire department if you have access or functional needs
Plan for your pets

Climate Health and Extreme Weather

Nassau County, located on Long Island in the coastal region of New York, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events. From intense heat waves to powerful winter storms, our community faces significant challenges that can impact health and safety. Understanding these risks and preparing for them is crucial to safeguarding our residents and building resilience against severe weather.

Prepare for whatever comes your way!

Nassau County has an abundance of resources you can utilize to help prepare yourself for the lasting impacts of extreme weather.

Take Steps to Stay Cool:

Extreme heat is when there are 2-3 days in a row of intense heat and humidity with temperatures 90 degrees and above. This includes days when the temperature “feels like” it is that hot, based on the air temperature and relative humidity.

Install air conditioners and install them.
Cover windows to shield the sun and set up fans to increase air flow.
Don’t rely on electric fans as your main source of cooling. When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, they don’t prevent heat related illnesses.
If you don’t have access to air-conditioning within your home, identify free locations where you can go and stay cool. These areas include cooling centers, a public library, pool or mall.

Take Steps to Stay Warm:

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Ways to avoid Hypothermia include:

Wear warm, multi-layered clothing that protects your skin from outside elements.
Change into dry clothes whenever clothing becomes wet.
If you do not have sufficient heating in your home, locate the nearest free heating center.

Tips to protect yourself from unhealthy air:

Check daily air pollution forecasts in your area, such as TV weather reports and the radio.
Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Move your workout indoors to a gym or walking in a shopping mall.
Use less energy in your home. By reducing energy use, you can help improve air quality, curb greenhouse gas emissions, encourage energy independence and save money!
Walk, bike or carpool. Combine trips. Use buses, subways, light rail systems, commuter trains or other alternatives to driving your car.

Protect your family and your home during flood season with these simple steps:

Create an emergency plan which consists of identifying a safe room, establishing a communication plan, and practicing that plan.
Build an emergency supply kit which consists of water, food first aid and other essentials such as flashlight and batteries.
Secure your home by ensuring that the windows are properly sealed, and the doors have working locks. Secure patio furniture and garbage cans. Have a plan for possible power outages, including alternative heating and lighting sources.

During Extreme Weather:

Seek shelter immediately by moving to your designated safe room when a severe weather warning is issued.
Do not stand near windows and exterior doors during a storm.
Lighting can travel through power lines and plumbing so avoid using electrical equipment.
If caught outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or a vehicle.

Additional Resources

Medical Reserve Corps
Nassau County Emergency Notifications
New York Alerts
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible low-income households heat and cool their homes.
DEC Climate Smart Communities
FEMA Winter Storms/Extreme Cold
FEMA Be Prepared for a Winter Storm
Hurricanes
Prepare with Pets
Extreme Heat
Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces