Population Characteristics and Emergency Preparedness
Understanding the characteristics of a population is important to public health emergency preparedness. Demographic data provide information about those characteristics. They can help to show the risks within a community. They can also help determine the types of resources that a community needs[]. Some factors, like age and ethnicity, can impact a person’s level of preparedness[]. Planners should look at demographic data to guide emergency preparedness plans, processes, and policies. They should account for the different needs of the population, especially those who are at highest risk or need the most assistance. Doing so will help to plan services in a way that is equitable and meets those needs.
[EM18] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Populations and Vulnerabilities. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/topics/PopulationsVulnerabilities.htm
[EM19] Allen, H., & Katz, R. (2010). Demography and Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Making the Connection. Population Research and Policy Review, 29(4), 527–539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-009-9158-1