Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness is a critical component of Public Health. SWNPHD's Emergency Preparedness program works to advance preparedness activities by working with local, state, and federal offices to prepare for and recover from a potential disaster.

The Emergency Response Coordinator works closely with other agencies, such as police, fire and rescue, emergency managers, schools, and elected officials to best serve and protect our citizens. Emergency Response activities include developing and testing plans for responding to disasters.

Some of the strategies and threats addressed in planning are:

>Early detection of disease
>Environmental safety
>Quarantine and isolation policies and procedures
>Bioterrorism
>Mass vaccination/dispensing of medical countermeasures
>Public risk communication with local, state, and federal partners.
>Mass medical care and surge
>Surveillance and epidemiology response

Emergency preparedness starts with you. Here are a few things you can do to help your family and community be prepared for an emergency.

Make a family disaster plan. The plan should be kept in a location that can be easily accessed by all family members. It should be reviewed and updated every six months or earlier if there are any major changes in the family. You can get more information on creating a Family Disaster Plan at https://www.ready.gov/plan.

Build a disaster preparedness kit. The kit should have at least 3 days' worth of food, water and other supplies. The kit should include the following recommended items:

>Water (1 gallon per person der day for at least 3 days)
>Food (at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food)
>Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
>Flashlight
>First aid kit
>Batteries
>Manual can opener
>Cell phone with charger
>Dust mask
>Plastic sheeting and duct tape (shelter in place)
>Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
>Whistle (signal for help)
>Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

You can find a printable version of this checklist here (Ready Emergency Supply List)

Once you get the basic items, consider what unique items you might need for children, seniors, and pets.

After assembling your kit, decide on a designated location to store it that can be accessed quickly if you need to leave your home. Check your preparedness kit to make sure your emergency stockpile isn't missing any items and that the food has not expired. Good rule of thumb is to check your stock when you set your clocks.

Disaster Preparedness Videos from Homeland Security