This tool guides an experienced Local Health Department (LHD) administrator or Incident Commander through decision-making processes to allocate staff both in advance of, and during, a public health emergency. 1) Disease investigation due to a naturally occurring disease, food-borne outbreak, or bioterrorist event; 2) Mass prophylaxis. While the tool applies to any incident calling for both disease investigation and prophylaxis operations, it is aimed at larger scale emergency operations requiring rapid decision-making to obtain and allocate surge staff resourcesdecisions that may have to be justified to and approved by authorities within, or outside of, the LHD. Tool worksheets: Decision points in a flow diagram representing various points in disease investigation and mass prophylaxis operations Response questions for decision-makers to consider when collecting information to make decisions Staffing needs based on plans, the scenario, and specific decisions Although intended for disease investigation and mass prophylaxis operations, this tool operates within a greater public health context that may involve other interventions. Organizes complex information into simpler categories that will help determine resource needs based on the local situation, operational objectives, plans, and partnerships. For example: Tested plans that will achieve operational objectives Risk communication plans to make the public an informed partner able to adhere to public health recommendations or requirements Partner organizations that provide staffing resources to LHD operations, or that independently conduct operations The tool includes an emergency scenario to illustrate tool use and a related public health decision-making pathway.