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California Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Disaster Management Practice Test 2026 - Free REHS Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide course image
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  • How many SEMS levels exist?
  • Which outcome is achieved by integrated planning for pet sheltering or co-sheltering?
  • What is the percentage of chlorine residual in typical household bleach?
  • In a hazardous materials decontamination process, what is the purpose of the warm zone?
  • What is the required bed spacing distance in an emergency shelter?
  • How many inches of soil should be placed over private garbage per day?
  • Which option best describes the complete process to disinfect a well using chlorine?
  • Are alpha or beta particles smaller?
  • Which ICS forms are commonly used for resource management and planning?
  • If water service is interrupted to a retail food establishment, which of the following actions is required to protect safety?
  • Which meter is better for high levels of radiation - Geiger or Ionization?
  • In environmental health disasters, when is asbestos risk a concern and what actions should be taken?
  • Which statement best distinguishes sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization in environmental health practice?
  • What does NIMS stand for?
  • Define shelter-in-place and provide a scenario when it is preferred over evacuation.
  • How much iodine is needed to disinfect 5 gallons of water?
  • ALARA stands for what phrase?
  • What is ionizing radiation?
  • What is the ALARA principle in radiation safety?
  • What is a staging area?
  • What daily covering practice is recommended for mass garbage trenches?
  • What are Medical Countermeasures (MCM) stockpiles and their role in disasters?
  • Which SEMS level involves local agencies coordinating through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
  • How should the integrity of a water distribution system be verified during recovery?
  • Somatic effects may take what to become evident?
  • Which of the following is an advantage of open air burning?
  • Which ICS group procures equipment, food, transportation, and communications?
  • Which penetrates further, X-rays or gamma rays?
  • Which condition allows salvage of a container after a fire or flood?
  • Which statement correctly describes ionization chamber measurement?
  • Which considerations are involved in providing safe food in disaster shelters?
  • How does a Geiger counter work?
  • Which type of ionizing radiation can be deconned?
  • What is the recommended span of control for supervisors in ICS?
  • Which parameter should be monitored in the distribution system during a water emergency?
  • Resource typing in disaster management serves what main purpose?
  • Which of the following lists all the forms of ionizing radiation?
  • How far from the surface should burial stop when burying private garbage?
  • What are the first two priorities for mass care and shelter?
  • How can you protect yourself from gamma radiation?
  • Which of the following factors influence evacuation decision-making in a disaster?
  • Which of the following can stop a beta particle?
  • SEMS stands for which phrase?
  • Which indicators are used to assess a potential hazardous materials release?
  • What will protect you from gamma rays?
  • X-rays vs gamma rays: which penetrates farther?
  • During a disaster, which entity is responsible for locating and deploying resources to the State Coordination Center (SCC) from non-impacted areas?
  • During a disaster, what happens when an incident overwhelms local response capabilities?
  • Distinguish between Command Staff and General Staff in ICS.
  • Unity of command means which of the following?
  • The specified trench size is designed to handle approximately how many people per day?
  • What is the purpose of CHEMTREC?
  • Which unit is used to express radiation exposure in the given guidelines?
  • During disaster recovery, environmental health personnel should do which of the following?
  • Which of the following is an option for removal of dead animal carcasses?
  • How long can garbage be stored on-site during an emergency if properly sealed?
  • What is a disadvantage of a Geiger counter?
  • In a mass feeding center, how many sinks are recommended and what are their functions?
  • Which factors help reduce exposure to gamma radiation?
  • What does EMAC stand for?
  • Which ICS function is responsible for obtaining and moving resources to the incident?
  • If there are more than how many evacuees, a full-time environmental health specialist (EHS) must monitor the shelter?
  • Which of the following is NOT listed as a basic emergency function?
  • Why is animal sheltering important in disaster management, and what considerations apply to pets?
  • In incident management, Unified Command is used under which condition?
  • How long should emergency-disinfected water be stored?
  • In hazardous materials operations, which zone is the clean area?
  • Which statement correctly describes the relationship between distance and radiation exposure according to the inverse square law?
  • What sanitizing solution concentration is recommended for a mass feeding center (chlorine bleach per gallon of water)?
  • Which ICS function is primarily responsible for information sharing and incident status?
  • If there is low water pressure after an emergency, what is the concern?
  • Which of the following is listed as a disadvantage of fixed facility incineration?
  • Describe the process for coordinating food recalls during a disaster.
  • What triggers a boil-water advisory, and what steps should be taken in response?
  • Which description correctly outlines PPE Level A through Level D and their typical field uses in disaster response?
  • ICS stands for what does ICS stand for?
  • Teratogenic effects are associated with what outcome?
  • How much household bleach is needed to disinfect 1,000 gallons of clear water?
  • In incident management, which role is primarily responsible for safety during operations?
  • What is the OSHA maximum permissible concentration for radon?
  • Which describes a possible cellular outcome after radiation exposure?
  • What is mutual aid, and why is resource typing important in disaster management?
  • At what point should you stop using a buried mass garbage trench?
  • Which option is NOT a recommended practice for emergency power generation safety?
  • During a disaster, the State Operations Center (SOC) is responsible for which of the following?
  • Which material can stop a beta particle?
  • What does picocuries measure?
  • Which steps are involved in vector control following floods or periods of standing water?
  • What is California's incident management system called?
  • In a radiation incident, the hot zone corresponds to exposure level of approximately how many mR/hr?
  • During well disinfection, why should you open the farthest tap until a chlorine odor is detected?
  • What must be done after the two-week storage period for garbage stored on-site?
  • If trucks are used to haul water, how must they be cleaned prior to use?
  • How many emergency functions exist under CalOES?
  • Which factor influences the type of pit toilets constructed during an emergency?
  • Which functions are included in the ICS General Staff?
  • Which activity is NOT typically part of the environmental health role in disaster recovery?
  • Which two sources of water in a home could be used, though not necessarily for drinking?
  • How deep should private garbage be buried?
  • Under ICS, what is considered a manageable span of control?
  • What type of particles are emitted by radon?
  • Which factor should be posted with buried human waste?
  • Which federal agency makes recommendations for radon exposure in homes?
  • Do bacteria and viruses survive incineration?
  • Which expression correctly represents the general formula for calculating the amount of chlorine bleach needed to achieve a desired ppm, given the percent chlorine in the product?
  • Why is it important to maintain disinfection residuals in the water supply after a disaster?
  • Inhalation of radon alpha particles increases the risk of which health effect?
  • In shelter operations, why are separate facilities for families with infants important?
  • List three critical food-safety considerations for disaster feeding operations.
  • What are cultural and language considerations in disaster risk communication?
  • In a disaster, which resource is the top operational priority?
  • Which SEMS level in California includes six mutual aid regions?
  • How many people can one pit toilet serve?
  • How are water system operations and sampling coordinated after a contamination event?
  • What is syndromic surveillance and how is it used in disaster response?
  • What is a core element of integrated planning for pet sheltering or co-sheltering in disasters?
  • For radiation exposure, if distance is doubled, exposure is reduced by what factor?
  • How far can beta particles travel in the air?
  • For state reimbursement, which management system must an EOC utilize?
  • What is backflow in sewer systems, and why is it a hazard after floods?
  • What are the key elements of a debris management plan following a disaster?
  • In the field decontamination sequence for chemical exposure, why is removing clothing first?
  • In ICS, which group is responsible for Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration?
  • Which action is required immediately when a boil water order is issued for a retail facility?
  • Which ICS group is responsible for developing the tactical action plan and the incident action plan?
  • The rem is used to compare radiation types on the same scale.
  • If the water is cloudy, how much bleach should be added to 5 gallons of water to disinfect it?
  • What constitutes a Multi-Casualty Incident (MCI) and how does it affect local response?
  • Which description best captures risk communication in disaster management?
  • Which factor is explicitly listed as affecting vector/pest management during a disaster?
  • Which two tasks are identified as the first priorities for mass care and shelter?
  • What 4 things could happen when radiation hits a cell?
  • Which items are required to be contained in the medical log book at an emergency shelter?
  • Teratogenic effects are most closely associated with which outcome?
  • In an emergency, pit privies should be at least how many feet from lakes, streams, and wells?
  • Which of the following is a disadvantage of mass burials?
  • Which of the following is NOT a form of ionizing radiation?
  • Which practice is recommended to prevent disease spread through shelter sanitation?
  • How deep and wide should a burial hole for private garbage be?
  • Which statement about the ICS-214 Unit Log is true?
  • What is the primary purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS) in disaster response, and which are its core organizational components?
  • Which statement best describes the components addressed by a COOP for environmental health services?
  • Which option is NOT a key element of a debris management plan?
  • Genetic effects refer to biological effects on which group?
  • The rem is used to compare biological effects of different radiations on humans.
  • Which particles are hazardous without ingesting/inhaling?
  • What can stop gamma rays?
  • Which option correctly defines ionizing radiation interacting with matter?
  • What is the purpose of having four sinks in a mass feeding center?
  • Which roles comprise the ICS Command Staff?
  • Rad measures energy deposited or absorbed in what?
  • Which SEMS level encompasses multiple jurisdictions and mutual aid and includes the involvement of MHOAC?
  • What best describes Air Curtain Incineration?
  • In ICS, which role is typically NOT part of the Command Staff?
  • What is an ionization chamber?
  • Somatic effects refer to damage to which type of cells?
  • What is the role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a disaster?
  • How long should water be boiled to disinfect it?
  • Which practice is recommended for safety when using emergency power at shelters?
  • A COOP aims to preserve essential functions during emergencies. Which is NOT a typical feature?
  • In California, which statutory framework authorizes local disaster declarations and sets powers for public health emergencies?
  • Per SEMS, are emergencies managed at the highest or lowest level?
  • What is the most useful way to measure radiation exposure?
  • Which burial procedure for human waste is recommended?
  • What does SCC stand for in SEMS?
  • In a radiation incident, how many mR/hour should the staging area be exposed?
  • In a disaster, when coordinating food recalls, which group should be notified first?
  • How deep should human waste be buried at minimum?
  • What is the general sequence for hazardous materials decontamination in a disaster setting?
  • Roentgen measures what?
  • What depth is recommended for burying infectious waste?
  • At the Operational Level of SEMS, which role coordinates medical health operations?
  • What mold remediation practices are recommended after water intrusion in buildings?
  • Which statement is listed about fixed facility incineration?
  • What is the recommended contact time for chlorine in a well-disinfection procedure before flushing?
  • Which statement best describes the role of the Public Information Officer during an incident?
  • Who can request a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster?
  • Which components are typically included in a COOP for environmental health?
  • If the water is clear, how much bleach should be added to 5 gallons of water to disinfect it?
  • Which ICS function is established first after command?
  • When assessing the status of the drinking water supply, which of the following should you check?
  • Which of the following best describes the purpose of a COOP for environmental health services?
  • A rem stands for which term?
  • Which ICS function oversees cost accounting and reimbursement documentation?
  • Lead exposure risk in housing after a disaster, and how should it be mitigated?
  • During a disaster, which statement best describes the responsibilities of the state Office of Emergency Services (OES)?
  • In pet and people combined sheltering, which process is essential for reuniting separated pets with owners?
  • Radon concentration is typically reported in which unit?
  • What can stop an alpha particle?
  • What is the typical sequence for decontaminating a patient exposed to chemical agents in the field?
  • What is the recommended maximum radon exposure in a home?
  • The unit pCi/L is used to measure which quantity in the context of radon?
  • Medical Countermeasures (MCM) stockpiles are typically managed by which entity?
  • What is the first priority in solid waste disposal during a disaster?
  • In the ICS system, which set of roles comprises the command staff?
  • What is the primary reason for installing backflow preventers in buildings in flood-prone areas?
  • What is the advantage of a Geiger counter?
  • How much water is ideal to provide per person per day in emergency planning?
  • What type of container should be used to store emergency-disinfected water?
  • During a water outage, which action is explicitly required to protect food safety?
  • In SEMS, which term stands for the coordinating role at the Medical Health Operational Area?
  • How should water quality be managed after a disaster event?
  • What chlorine concentration (ppm) is required to disinfect floors, counters, sinks, and toilets at emergency shelters?
  • What makes NIMS valuable?
  • Which of the following correctly lists the five ICS functions?
  • Which particles only cause damage when ingested?
  • What chlorine concentration (ppm) is required to disinfect food contact surfaces and toys at emergency shelters?
  • Delivered water must have what free chlorine residual?
  • What are best practices for managing volunteers in a disaster response?
  • If burying mass garbage onsite, what are the trench dimensions?
  • Which actions are key to safe shelter sanitation during mass care operations?
  • Which statement best defines risk communication in disaster management?
  • Which ratio correctly states the required number of restrooms for an emergency shelter relative to residents?
  • In disaster response planning, which item is listed as the first priority for protecting food safety?
  • Which of the following best describes essential sanitation facility considerations in shelter operations?
  • What is the most important aspect of solid waste management after a disaster?
  • Which type of radiation is most dangerous if ingested/inhaled?
  • Which ICS function is responsible for directing incident objectives and priorities?
  • What is a key practice for segregation of hazardous and nonhazardous waste in disaster settings?
  • What shelter space per person is recommended for housing during an emergency?
  • The Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS-215) is used primarily for what purpose?
  • SEMS is designed to improve five emergency response elements. Which of the following lists those five elements?
  • What should be included in an After-Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Plan (IP)?
  • How many steps are listed for implementing a boil water order after service resumes?
  • Which roles report directly to the Incident Commander?
  • When a retail food facility is under a boil water order, what is the first action to take?
  • Can food be salvaged after a fire or flood? If salvage is allowed, what condition applies and what procedure is used?
  • When asbestos-containing materials are damaged during a disaster, who should conduct abatement and what precautions should be followed?
  • In pet and people sheltering plans, what is a common requirement to minimize conflicts between spaces?
  • Which of the following describes Air Curtain Incineration?
  • What are essential components of shelter infection prevention and control?
  • How should disaster waste management handle household hazardous waste after a disaster?
  • Environmental health is supported under which Emergency Support Functions (ESFs)?
  • In a hazardous materials or decontamination area, which statement correctly defines hot, warm, and cold zones?
  • Rad is primarily a measure of what?
  • Which statement accurately differentiates a drill from a tabletop exercise?
  • Syndromic surveillance data is used to guide interventions by detecting outbreaks based on?
  • What distance from a water source is recommended when burying mass garbage onsite?
  • How should a credible exercise be designed to test disaster management capabilities?
  • Which practice reduces exposure to gamma radiation?
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