Emergency Preparedness

Emergency & Disaster Preparedness

PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS~  DISASTER PREPAREDNESS~  EMERGENCY PARTNERS & RESOURCES

An effective Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) outlines the steps you will take in the event of a natural or man made disaster, to make an orderly and efficient transition to emergency operations while providing instructions on how your organization will continue to fulfill its Critical Functions. The plan includes information on emergency evacuation procedures, disaster response, and emergency delegation of authority, assignment of responsibilities, assurance of continuity of operations, prevention and preparedness measures as well as lists of external material and technical assistance.

Resources:

FEMA Continuity of Operations (COOP) Programs. Contains templates and information, designed by FEMA for other government agencies  https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/72598

American Red Cross. One of the top two or three sources for disaster-tested information on how to prepare yourself and your family to respond and recover from disasters of all types. Here you wil find out how to Get prepared; Get trained; Get involved;

National: http://www.redcross.org/

READY.GOV. Another great source for all types of emergency preparedness information: personal, family, home, shelter design, downloads of free information, and much, much more. There is even a site for kids!  For business, you can find out here how to:

  • Plan to stay in business
  • Talk to your people
  • Protect your investment
All this is found at http://www.ready.gov/

Bio-terrorism preparedness. State of Illinois

PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Introduction

Jo Daviess County Health Department (JDCHD) Emergency Preparedness Program follows the All- Hazards approach to emergency planning and response.  The purpose of the Emergency Preparedness Plan is to help prepare the general public, JDCHD staff, volunteers and clients and community partners for public health emergencies.

In the event of an emergency, all JDCHD staff and volunteers assigned to an event will be covered by JDCHD risk liability as long as they are working under the direction of JDCHD administrator.  Health Department employees will be compensated according to fair labor standards.  Volunteers will not be compensated for their time.

All Hazards Planning

JDCHD, using the all-hazards approach (that is NIMS complian and follows HSEEP concepts) results in high levels of preparedness for a wide range of threats including emergencies and disasters, man-made and nature.  Public Health Emergencies include:

  • Disease Outbreaks like Varicella (Chicken pox), Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Tuberculosis
  • Food-borne illnesses such as Norovirus and Salmonella
  • Bioterrorism; when biological agents that are used in warfare to cause the spread of infectious diseases including Anthrax, Botulinum Toxin, Plague, Smallpox, Tularemia and others.
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction are grouped into five categories: Chemical, Biological (described above), Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive.
  • Weather Emergencies such as extreme heat, cold, tornadoes
  • Nuclear power plant emergencies
Planning and Preparation

In the event of an emergency or disaster, Jo Daviess County Health Department, under the leadership of  JDCHD administrator, JDC Board of Health,  local, regional and state authorities, will respond as directed by them.  Response will be in collaboration with state and local agencies and organization.  JDCHD staff and volunteers will be available for emergency response activities on an as-needed basis, acting under the direction of the Director and, when activated, the Incident Commander.

Preparedness: Preparedness activities build organization capacity to manage the effects of emergencies.

Jo Daviess County Health Dept. staff will develop plans and operational procedures to improve the effectiveness of the clinic’s response to emergencies. Annually,Jo Daviess County Health Department Emergency Planning staff will:

  • Review and update the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and other related documents.
  • Review the Local Health Department's (LHD) Emergency Response Role.
  • Develop and update agreements with other community health care providers and with civil authorities.
  • Train personnel on emergency response procedures.
  • Conduct drills and exercises and revise the EOP if needed.

Jo Daviess County Health Department's role depends on the nature of the Emergency.  It might include evaluation of a situation, response guidance in regard to public health, and "orchestration" of the community's medical resources.

The department has a bioterrorism plan and volunteers who help prepare and respond in the event of a public health emergency, such as a natural or man-made disaster.  Responsibilities of the volunteers include logistical planning, record keeping, mass immunizations, and assisting public health awareness campaigns.

To learn more about the Jo Daviess County Medical Reserve Corps or to volunteer call 815-777-0263
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:10 documents

  • Get Help After a Natural Disaster
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  • Special Needs Registry Application
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  • Volunteer Information - Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
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    Make a difference in your county with your professional expertise, enthusiasm, and energy.  Click here to get started.
  • Emergency After Hours Contacts
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  • Emergency Preparedness and Pets
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  • Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
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  • Important Legal Documents for Emergency Preparedness
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  • Emergency Preparedness for Seniors
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  • How to Organize and Prepare for Disasters
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  • Winter Storm Preparedness Guidebook
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