As the primary field responder under Florida's Emergency Management Plan (Emergency Support Function 8), environmental health staff play an important role in the recovery phase of most man-made or natural emergencies. The wide scope of this responsibility encompasses protective medications after a nuclear accident, sampling contaminated waters, assuring the quality of food and water after a hurricane, and coordinating the response of outside assistance. A new role for all health departments is as part of the team responding to domestic terrorism. More information on Emergency Response.