Services List: Emergency Preparedness
The Coastal Health District is an integral part of our region’s emergency response team. Emergencies that pose a threat to our coastal region, and our country, have evolved beyond those of natural disasters. Now we must deal with the realities of Bioterrorism and Pandemic Flu.
The Georgia Bioterrorism and Emergency Preparedness Program is the only program in the state focused on disaster preparedness among workers in Community Health Centers, Acute Care Hospitals and Emergency Medical Services. The program’s goal is to ensure that each of these groups has equipment, staff and training to respond effectively to any health emergency, such as an anthrax attack, chemical event or natural disaster.
In an emergency situation, public health professionals act as first responders, investigators, strategists, communicators, and medical care providers. Public health professionals may be called upon for many tasks including diagnosing and containing the spread of disease and treating individuals who were injured or may have been exposed to infectious or harmful materials.
Scroll through the information below to find ways that you too can prepare.
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Season is June 1st- November 30th each year. However, being prepared for any natural disaster is something you need to do today. Have a plan in place before an event happens.
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the following information to help you in your preparation plans. This information includes supplies you need to have on hand, what you need to do in an evacuation and what to do in a non-evacuation situation. Download file
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. This brochure includes information on proper amounts and storing of food and water for your family during and emergency. Download file
Know where you are going. Hurricane Evacuation Routes are available at Georgia Department of Transportation
Georgia Office of Homeland Security has information on Emergency Shelters
Georgia Public Radio, in cooperation with GDOT, GEMA, GSP and the Georgia Public Broadcasting System, will provide updates on road and traffic conditions in the event of a Hurricane.
Severe Weather FM Radio Stations are:
Brunswick 88.9
Savannah 91.1
Your Business also needs to have a preparedness plan. Guides to assess how best to secure your business, both physically and financially, in case of an emergency are available at http://www.ready.gov
Pets are many times forgotten in emergency plans. Pets are usually not allowed in shelters and few motels/hotels allow animals. This information sheet has emergency numbers and resources to plan for your pets.Download file
Preparing for a Bioterrorism Attack
Bioterrorism attacks can happen at any time. You may be at work, your children at school, your spouse out of town. Develop a preparedness plan that includes strategies for finding your family and communicating effectively. The GA Department of Homeland Security offers tips to put your plan into place.
Know what the agents of Bioterrorism are by logging onto http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist.asp
Preparing for Pandemic Flu
The Coastal Health District is working with other emergency responders to deal with a possible pandemic situation. Mass vaccination clinics, overcrowding of hospitals, and the quick spread of the infection are all areas where public health must be prepared. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and other federal agencies are holding pandemic planning summits with public health and emergency management and response leaders in each state. Georgia’s State Summit was January 13th. Plans from this summit are available at www.pandemicflu.gov .
In the case of a pandemic, there is only so much that our government can do. We must each take some responsibility for protecting ourselves. One of the most important protective steps against a possible influenza pandemic is avoiding infection. Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.
·Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
·Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
·Put used tissues in a waste basket.
·Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
·Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
·Stay at home if you are sick.
Businesses should develop or update emergency plans, taking into consideration that a large portion of the workforce may be sick. Businesses should identify essential functions and personnel needed to keep the business operating and should work with medical advisors on ways to protect employees.
www.pandemicflu.gov has preparation checklists and resources for you, your business and your community.
Emergency Medical Services Program
The Coastal Health District’s EMS program is responsible for the licensing and regulation of ambulance, medical first responder and neonatal transport services; certifying and re-certifying emergency medical technicians and paramedics; and approving and monitoring EMS training programs. Our EMS program also includes providing technical assistance to local governments, coordinating certification examinations, collecting data, conducting training programs, developing curricula and designating trauma centers.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/services-list/emergency_preparedness.php