Public Health Preparedness

Madison County Pandemic Influenza Response Plan │Disaster Supplies Kit

The Madison County Health Department has a strong role in preparedness. This includes giving vaccines and medicines to people quickly if the need should arise. Fighting the spread of disease is another responsibility of health department staff. Preparedness also involves lending a helping hand in natural disasters and severe weather.

In order to prepare yourself and your family in emergencies, the following links provide valuable information:

www.readync.org
This campaign in North Carolina provides you with information on preparing for all types of emergencies.

www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc
Information at this website helps people better prepare for the public health impact of a terrorism incident.

www.fema.gov
The Federal Emergency Management Association’s mission is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and manage federal response and recovery efforts following a national incident.

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lead the way in public health efforts to prevent and control infections and chronic diseases, injuries, environmental health threats, etc.

www.pandemicflu.gov
This government website provides information on the pandemic flu and the avian flu.

Madison County Disaster Response Plans

Madison County Animal Disaster Response Plan

Link for Disaster Supplies Kit

Disaster Supplies Kit

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that could be needed in the event of a disaster. Assemble kits for use at home, the office, at school and/or in a vehicle.

Water- Three gallons for each person who would use the kit and an additional four gallons per person or pet for use if you are confined to your home.

Food- A three-day supply and at least an additional four-day supply per person or pet for use at home.

You may want to consider stocking a two-week supply of food
and water in your home.

Items for Infants- Including formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk and medications not requiring refrigeration.

Items for Seniors, Disabled Persons, or Anyone With Serious Allergies-Including special foods, denture items, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, prescription and non-prescription medications that are regularly used, inhalers and other essential equipment.

Kitchen Accessories- A manual can opener, mess kits or disposable cups, plates and utensils, utility knife, sugar and salt, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, re-sealable plastic bags.

A portable battery-powered radio or television and extra, fresh batteries.

Several flashlights and extra, fresh batteries.

A First Aid Kit

One complete change of clothing and footwear for each person- Including sturdy work shoes or boots, raingear and other items adjusted for the season, such as hats and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, dust masks.

Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.

Sanitation and Hygiene Items- Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm, sunscreen, contact lenses and supplies and any medications regularly used, toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags (heavy duty), medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach.

Disaster Supplies Kit (cont)

Other Essential Items- Paper, pencil, needles and thread, small A-B-C type fire extinguisher, medicine dropper, whistle, emergency preparedness manual.

Entertainment- Including games and books, favorite dolls and stuffed animals for small children.

A map of the area- Marked with places you could go and their phone numbers.

An extra set of keys and IDs- Including keys for cars and any properties owned and copies of driver’s licenses, passports and work identification badges.

Cash and coins and copies of credit cards

Copies of medical prescriptions

Matches in a waterproof container

A small tent, compass, and shovel

Pack the items in easy-to-carry containers, label the containers clearly and store them where they would be easily accessible. Duffle bags, backpacks, and covered trash receptacles are good containers. In a disaster situation, you need access to your supplies quickly. Following a disaster, having the right supplies can help your household endure home confinement or evacuation.

Make sure the needs of everyone who would use the kit are covered including infants, seniors and pets.

Checklist for Pets
Food and water for at least three days for each pet; food and water bowls; a manual can opener; litter and litter box; paper towels; grooming items; household bleach; medications and medical records in a waterproof container; first aid kit; sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers; pet toys and pet’s bed; current photos and descriptions of your pets to identify them in case you become separated.