Get Ready! Emergency preparedness means being ready if a disaster or emergency strikes. It is important to know what we can expect, and how we will respond to a disaster before it happens. This website was created to provide current information about the types of disasters we might face here in Perry County and what we all can do now to be ready. The Perry County Health Department is taking steps to prepare and respond to emergencies, whether they are natural or manmade. We are refining plans, practicing them, and conducting trainings for our staff and volunteers to improve our readiness. Within this site you will find information and resources to learn more about potential threats facing our community and how we are preparing for these threats. Every citizen has a role in emergency preparedness and can do something to make their families and communities safer, stronger and better prepared. Emergency preparedness should be a priority for every citizen. Even a small amount of preparation for an emergency can make a huge difference. Being prepared saves lives.
Why prepare?
Every year, thousands of people are affected by disasters; the consequences can include injury, death and property damage. After a disaster strikes, relief-agencies and the local government will attempt to assist disrupted communities. However, there could be a delay before help is able to reach an affected area. By preparing ahead of time, you can lessen the fear, anxiety and losses that accompany a disaster.Are you ready for an emergency?
Emergency Preparedness is being ready for a disaster or emergency; each one of us has to be accountable for our own readiness. If you are just starting to prepare, begin by:- Learning more about preparedness and what disasters could affect your community, be it natural disasters or terrorism.
- Creating an individual and/or family plan.
- Assembling an emergency kit to sustain you and your family for the first few days following a disaster. (Basic Emergency Kit List: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html or load saved PDF) First Aid Kit: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/firstaidkit.html
- Practicing and maintaining your plan.
- If you are a parent or guardian, consider the special considerations necessary for children.
- If you own a business, you should ensure it is prepared to function during and after a disaster.
- If you are responsible for a school, it is your job to have emergency plans in place to protect your staff and students.
- If you have a disability or special need (or know of someone with a special need), you may need to take extra steps to prepare for an emergency. You may also want to consider joining our special needs registry.
- If you own pets, you will need to make plans to care for your pet in an emergency or if you need to evacuate.
What is the Emergency Response Staff doing?
We are Planning
At the heart of any effective emergency response is a plan. Perry County Health Department has a plan to help the County respond to and recover from many different types of Public Health disasters. Because we can’t know beforehand what events may befall us in a disaster, our plan takes an “All-Hazards” approach, allowing us to quickly put in place the parts of our plan necessary to react to unfolding events. The PCHD Emergency Response Plan is an evolving document and we are constantly making improvements to our plan. As new information becomes available, or as new threats emerge that we must face, we incorporate them into our plan. The PCHD Emergency Response Plan is a part of the overall Perry County Disaster Plan. Perry County Emergency Management Agency has the responsibility of coordinating the overall planning efforts for Perry County. They ensure that agencies work together to keep Perry County safe.We are Practicing
No plan is effective if it sits on a shelf. It is important to us that the plans we put on paper are plans that can be executed if and when they are needed. That is why the Health Department is engaged in a exercise program. We conduct regularly scheduled exercises to test various aspects of our emergency response plan. Our exercises involve critical response partners from other agencies within Perry County and the Southeast Ohio region, as well as PCHD staff members.We are Training
The Health Department will operate differently during an emergency than it does on a day to day basis. The exact changes will depend on the type of emergency we face. Specific training has been developed to teach PCHD staff the new roles they may need to fulfill during emergencies. As part of the emergency response program, the PCHD Medical Reserve Corps has received training to better enable them in assisting the Health Department and the Perry County medical community in an emergency.We are Educating
Ensuring that we all understand what may happen in a public health emergency is important. We’re educating our staff about how to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency. If your group is interested in learning more about preparedness issues, the emergency preparedness team is available to speak to your group. Call the Health Department at 740-342-5179 for more information.We are Recruiting
In a large scale emergency, volunteers will be needed to assist the Health Department in keeping the County safe and healthy. The PCHD and EMA are enrolling those who are willing to help. Medical and non-medical volunteers are needed. Call 740-342-5179 To review the Public Health Emergency Plans (PHEP) please contact our Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to make and appointment.Emergency Preparedness Division
- Jim Mickey- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator 740-342-5179