Protecting People and Supporting Communities When Disaster Strikes
Easily one of the most iconic cities in the world, NYC is beloved by residents and visitors alike. NYC is also a potential target to a multitude of natural and human-made disasters because of large population density, numerous national landmarks, and status as an international hub for finance, travel, and culture. This site will provide you with resources and guidance on how you can better connect, prepare, and respond to public health emergencies in case one does occur.
The NYC Department of Health works to prevent, protect against, respond to and increase NYC’s ability to recover from the public health impacts of emergencies. A coastal storm, an anthrax attack, a flu pandemic — whatever the emergency, the Health Department is charged with critical preparedness and response roles, with the primary goal of protecting the public’s health. We do this through partnerships with various city, state and federal agencies, health care facilities and community leaders and organizations to better protect and meet the needs of NYC citizens. Public health emergency preparedness (PDF) and response protects our health, saves lives and strengthens our national security.
The stories, report and short videos below focus on moments and places in time where investments made in planning and response truly saved lives and protected the health and well-being of New Yorkers.
Preparing for a Safer Future — Stories
Learn more about how the City prepares for and responds to public health emergencies by reading our stories.
- Vaccinating Home Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
- Using Data to Address Disparities in Mpox Treatment (PDF)
- Helping NYC Care for Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
- On the Front Lines: Readying the Healthcare System (PDF)
- Watching Over the Vulnerable (PDF)
- Helping the Stranded at Home (PDF)
- Strengthening Community Resilience (PDF)
- Containing Epidemics (PDF)
- Detecting Deadly Disease - Before It Kills (PDF)
- Informing the Public (PDF)
- Testing the Systems, Speeding the Response (PDF)
- Learn more about Points of Dispensing
- Deploying New York City’s Dedicated Volunteers (PDF)
For more on these stories, see Protecting NYC: Preparing for a Safer Future (PDF)