Emergency Preparedness

Program Director- Robin Groves

740-472-1677  ext. 200

 

Text Box: In the event of an emergency the best thing we can do is to be prepared.  Here are some simple steps to take to help make yourself and your family better prepared for emergencies: Get a Kit - Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.  Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation.  Be Informed - Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them. Get Involved - After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. To learn more about how you and your family can prepare for emergencies check out the following websites:    Centers for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov/    American Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org/    Ohio Department of Health – http://www.odh.state.oh.us/    Ohio Medical reserve Corps – http://www.serveohio.org/    World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/en/          Pandemic Influenza – http://www.pandemicflu.gov   Text Box: vs Text Box: Pandemic Flu *Doesn't happen often - only three times in the 20th century.  The last time was 1968.  Since this new pandemic flu hasn't been seen before, there is no or little immunity. *Healthy people may be at risk for serious complications. *The medical community will be overwhelmed. *Vaccine developed early may not be effective.  Once an effective vaccine is developed, it may not be available for several months. *May not have any effective antiviral drugs or the supply may be limited. *The number of deaths would be much higher, worldwide it could be millions. *Symptoms would be more serious and there would be more medical complications. *Big impact on the community.  There could be travel restrictions, school closings, limited business hours or closings, and canceling of public gatherings. *Could have a big impact on US and world economy.   Text Box: Seasonal Flu *Usually follows a predictable pattern typically every year in the winter.  There is usually some protection built up in a person from having the flu before. *Healthy adults are not usually at risk for any serious complications. *The medical community can usually meet public and patient needs. *Vaccines are developed before the flu season, based on known virus strains.   *Supplies of antiviral drugs are usually available. *Average number of deaths in the US is about 36,000 a year. *Regular flu symptoms:  fever, cough, runny nose, and muscle pain. *A small impact on the community with sick people staying home from work and school.   *Small impact on US and world economy.