The evolution of modern medical competencies and expanded populations of increased vulnerability pose a significant challenge to today’s public health professional in providing shelter and support during times of disaster in both the urban and rural environment. This course will address some of the significant existing challenges and examine how the roles and responsibilities of responding/receiving personnel, triage and transport and the capabilities within communities can be enhanced through more extensive planning coupled with focused preparation. The application of lessons learned and the careful design of infrastructure, harvesting local experience on a global scale constitutes a critical resource for future problem solving and development in improving community response to disaster.