The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County’s (DOH-Charlotte) Emergency Preparedness and Response Program is actively involved in planning and responding to the public health needs of the community in times of emergency or disaster in Charlotte County, Florida. DOH-Charlotte works closely with hospitals, medical providers, first responders (emergency medical services, fire/rescue, emergency management agencies, law enforcement), and other community partners to ensure coordination of health and medical response. The priorities of the Preparedness Program are to assure that delivery of essential medical and public health services is maintained or restored following a disaster and that assistance is provided to meet emergency needs of the affected population.