Emergency plans outline the arrangements for preparing for, responding to and recovering from major incidents.

A classic human health risk assessment is based on four stages: issue identification, hazard identification and dose-response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

There are many things that we can do to help prepare ourselves and our families, friends and neighbours for emergencies.

NSW Health supports partner agencies by providing health advice on the establishment of evacuation centres and sending health professionals to work at the centre, if needed.

During a public health emergency response, epidemiology is used to understand the needs of affected populations, the nature of the disease or exposure, and to inform control activities.

Useful information on water quality, drinking water, recreational water, swimming pools and spas, and wastewater and sewage.

Laboratory tests enhance patient management and the public health response to a health emergency, which may be due to a communicable disease, or a biological, chemical or trauma incident.

Education and training for health professionals provide opportunities to learn and practice new skills and roles that are required for an emergency response.