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Emergency Preparedness and Response

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Public health emergency preparedness is vital to ensuring our community is ready to respond to health threats, whether from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or chemical accidents. Our efforts are focused on planning ahead, training responders, monitoring risks, and ensuring critical resources are available to protect the health and safety of everyone.
 

How We Prepare

During an emergency, we work closely with emergency services, healthcare providers, and other community partners to respond quickly and effectively. Our goal is to provide clear, timely updates and ensure that our community receives the care and resources needed to stay safe. We are committed to minimizing harm, protecting public health, and supporting the recovery process.

Get Prepared: Tools & Resources

Make a Kit:

Having the right supplies on hand can make a big difference in an emergency. Be sure to prepare kits for your home, car, and pets. Consider ways to protect your important family documents and prepare financially. Learn how to make a kit.
 

Make a Plan:

Having a clear emergency plan is essential. This includes planning family meeting places, communication methods, and shelter-in-place strategies. Create your emergency plan.

Double-sided PDF of Home Emergency Preparedness Kit + Family Emergency Plan
 

Medical Emergency Wallet Card

It is important to have a record of your most vital medical information available in case of an emergency. This plan is intended to guide medical responders in assisting you during an emergency or natural disaster. Download and complete the Medical Emergency Wallet Card, and keep a printed copy in your wallet or purse at all times. Keep an extra printed copy in your Home Emergency Preparedness Kit, and update your wallet card every six months or when there is a change in your health status / condition(s).

Download, fill out, and print
 

Backpack Emergency Card

It is important that your child is prepared for an emergency. Download and Complete a Backpack Emergency Card to make sure you, your child, and your child's school can be contacted quickly. Print out the card, cut around the dotted line, fold in half, and keep the card in your child’s backpack at all times. Make this card part of an emergency planning family night!

Take Action 

Sign Up for Milwaukee Emergency Alerts:
Stay informed with real-time alerts and updates. Sign up for MKE ALERT.


Help Your Community:
Join our Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry to assist with preparedness efforts and during public health emergencies. (Note: Select “Milwaukee Health Department” as your organization when registering.)


Volunteer with the American Red Cross – Southeast Chapter. Disaster Action Team volunteers help local families cope with emergencies such as house fires.