The Cayman Islands lie close to the boundary zone of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. This transform boundary, where the plates slide past each other, has the potential to generate earthquakes.
Public health issues are addressed by a communicable disease committee that brings together representatives from other government divisions such as environmental health and the Mosquito Research and Control Unit.
As a regulated international aviation destination, the Cayman Islands has been holding mass casualty drills for over 20 years. These involve all emergency services (fire, police, emergency medical and ambulance), health services, the Red Cross, and Civil Aviation.
The Cayman Islands joined countries worldwide in upgrading national security measures after the terrorist attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001 (9/11).
Several Government agencies: Chief Petroleum Officer, Environment, Environmental Health and Water Authority, with the assistance of the private sector, cooperate in handling inland and marine fuel spills, hazardous materials, sewage and other threats.
