Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness
After September 11, 2001 public health agencies around the world have been preparing for threats such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and pandemics. The Emergency Preparedness Division of the Clinton County Health District is tasked with preparing Public Health, its partners, and the community to respond to adverse events that affect the public’s health in our community. The Clinton County Health District maintains plans and policies to address these public health events.
What is Personal Health Preparedness?
Personal health preparedness is about having the wherewithal to care for and protect your health and wellness in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster. That means having the supplies, skill, and self-confidence to bounce back from a difficult or life-changing event like a natural disaster.
While public health staff and other first responders such as fire, police and EMS plan and train for emergencies, individuals must also be prepared for a variety of emergency situations. For any individual, being prepared begins with three easy steps: Build a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.
As we learned during the hurricanes of 2005, the windstorm of 2008 and H1N1 in 2009-2010, emergency assistance from the federal government or other first response agencies might not be immediately available during a large scale emergency or disaster. That is why it is important for individuals to take steps to prepare themselves and their families so they can sustain themselves in the days immediately following an emergency.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Clinton County MRC Unit is a member of the Southwest Ohio Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers are an important part of the Clinton County Health District’s Emergency Preparedness program. MRC volunteers may be needed to assist public health response and recovery efforts during a public health emergency.
Instructions to sign up for the MRC
1. Visit Ohio Responds
2. Follow registration steps
3. Select which county MRC you would like to volunteer with
4. Wait for email confirmation of volunteer approval
If you would like to learn more regarding the Medical Reserve Corps, check out the National MRC program.
Emergency Preparedness Sites and Resources:
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) - Provides resources on everything from building an emergency kit to keeping safe during a tornado or flood.
EMA (Ohio Emergency Management Agency)
American National Red Cross - Preparedness Today
Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Emergency Preparedness
DHS (Department of Homeland Security)
CDC (Center for Disease Control) - List of current outbreaks and Incidents
Preparedness Publications from FEMA - Shipped directly to you, free of charge.
Youth Preparedness Programs - Educational resources, worksheets, and interactive preparedness tools for kids.
For questions or feedback regarding Clinton County Health District's emergency plans contact Tonja Ruther truther@clincohd.com or by calling (937) 382-3829 x4122.
To schedule a safety car seat appointment, Diabetes Wellness class or a CPR class appointment go to https://cchdscheduler.timetap.com/#/.
For safety car seat appointments fill out the application and watch the video http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/ccic/injury-prevention/car-safety for your appointment.
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