Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Public health systems play an integral role in preparing communities to respond to and recover from threats and emergencies. Being prepared to prevent, respond to, and rapidly recover from public health threats is critical for protecting and securing our residents’ public health. Public Health staff work in conjunction with our community partners to develop emergency plans, communication plans and conduct ongoing training to respond to events that have the potential to affect the health of the community. Disasters can happen at any time and our department works to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Our goal is to make our community safer, healthier, and more resilient.

The COVID-19 Pandemic is a recent and significant example of a public health emergency that the Lafayette County Health Department, Lafayette County Emergency Management and dozens of partners responded to.

The Lafayette County Health Department along with many other local agencies have worked together to prevent and prepare for many possible emergencies. The CDC provides a grant to build relationships with local emergency response partners and to continue to prevent, plan and prepare for all public health emergencies.

Most Business’ and Schools Have a Disaster Plan

Get to know the plan. If there isn’t one, volunteer to help create one.
Learn to use a communication system that everyone understands and can learn to operate.
Insure that evacuation routes are well identified.
Be prepared to shelter in place if directed to do so.
Know where your supplies are stored.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Your family may be separated when a disaster takes place

It may be easier to make a long distance call than a local one due to high volume.
Be sure that each family member knows the number to call to make contact with family.
Establish a secret code word that just your family members recognize.
Practice your plan with family members on a regular basis.
Maintain a brief history on each family member that includes medical information and a recent picture.
Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency that requires a response from police, fire, or law enforcement.
Plan for care & safety of pets. Keep inside until emergency has ended.

Make a Survival Kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, consider just the basics needed for survival.

Water and non-perishable food. Plan for three days of survival needs.
Clean air. Store and maintain dust masks that will protect your breathing.
Create a first aid kit. Put simple items in the kit and know how to use them.
Special needs items. If special supplies are required for any family member regardless of age, like diapers, formula, medications, etc, be sure to include them.
Supply checklist. List the items that you have and check to make sure they are not outdated.
Additional items. Battery operated radio and flashlight with working batteries, candles, stick matches, and any special items needed. Remember that space may be limited.
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal draft areas. This will help prevent contaminates from entering your home.

To Leave or Not to Leave

Sometimes the best plan is to stay where you are. Your local emergency government director will announce by media to evacuate or stay. If you “stay in place”, consider the following:

Lock your doors and windows.
Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air systems, even if the power is out.
Take your survival kit with you.
Gather in an interior room.
Listen to the radio for current conditions.
If you decide to leave, take only what you need.

What Else Should I Know?

Always have a “back up” plan available.
Practice your plan so that everyone is prepared.
If you need help understanding, ask someone who does. Be willing to help others.

Emergency Toolkits:

For more information:

Supporting Documents

WEAVR Registry - How to Sign Up (923 KB)