WHEN DISASTER STRIKES YOUR PUBLIC PREPAREDNESS TEAM IS READY TO RESPOND IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND STATE PARTNERS!
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.
THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE: WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
CDC’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake) severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.
Once Federal and local authorities agree that the SNS is needed, medicines will be delivered to any state in the U.S. within 12 hours. Each state has plans to receive and distribute SNS medicine and medical supplies to local communities as quickly as possible.
In addition, Madison County Health Department in coordination with Local Emergency Management and other community and response partners, also has plans in place to request, receive, distribute, and dispense supplies during a local event.
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MEDICINES IN THE STOCKPILE?
The medicine in the SNS is FREE for everyone.
The SNS has stockpiled enough medicine to protect people in several large cities at the same time.
Federal, state, and local community planners are working together to ensure that the SNS medicines will be delivered to the affected area to protect you and your family if there is a terrorist attack.
HOW WILL YOU GET MEDICINE IF SNS IS DELIVERED IN YOUR AREA?
Our local community is prepared to receive SNS medicine and medical supplies from the state to provide to everyone in the community who needs them.
Find out about how to get medicine to protect you and your family by watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, checking this website or learning from trusted community leaders.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SNS:
CDC SNS Information – http://www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile/
NC Public Health Preparedness & Response – http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/phpr/
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.