Question

Consider the effectiveness of the public health response concerning the California wildfires.

Answer 1

The increase in California wildfires is a growing problem for human health. Residents and workers
who are directly impacted by wildfires can suffer loss of life as well as major injuries such as burns
and broken bones. Residents and workers in fire areas and those who live at some distance can
be significantly harmed by air pollution from wildfires, particularly PM 2.5. When wildfires burn into
urban areas, buildings and vehicles burn, producing smoke that can contain a number of toxic air
contaminants.

During wildfires, public health has a critical role in response and helping communities recover. Public health department is responsible for advising emergency management such as residential and healthcare evacuations, air quality assessments etc. Public health department communicate with the public about the health risks of smoke and recommended actions to protect their health. Additionally, it  provides staff and resources to support evacuation centers and shelters for those displaced by wildfires.

Public health departments can complement the actions of first responders and health care providers by leveraging their preexisting connections to communities and populations
Improved planning and readiness on the part of the public health infrastructure and health care providers can reduce morbidity and mortality due to wildfire smoke exposure.

Public Health is responsible for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.It works to assess and prioritize threats and hazards to public health and develops collaborative emergency and disaster plans , develops educational resources, and conducts community outreach efforts to build preparedness and resilience. It provides training to the Department of Public Health’s staff and partners, maintains 24/7 readiness to respond to emergencies and coordinate public health responses, attains and manages emergency preparedness grant funding, and conducts and coordinates public health emergency responses.