Public health preparedness refers to the planning and actions taken to protect the health of communities during emergencies, such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or bioterrorism. It involves creating strategies to respond effectively, ensuring that healthcare systems can handle increased demands, and educating the public about health risks and safety measures. Key components of public health preparedness include surveillance systems to monitor health threats, emergency response plans to coordinate efforts among agencies, and training for healthcare workers. By investing in these areas, communities can improve their resilience and ability to respond to public health crises.