Preparedness
Be Prepared for all Emergency Threats
Emergencies can take many forms. From natural disasters such as tornadoes, flooding, and ice storms, to naturally occurring or intentional communicable disease outbreaks such as pandemic or influenza or bio-terrorism. These disasters can not only pose physical threats, but also have serious public health consequences to a community. Public health preparedness exists to educate the community on personal and family preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Calloway County Health Department
The Calloway County Health Department Preparedness Team collaborates with emergency management, hospitals, American Red Cross, and other organizations to increase preparedness levels in the community. Plans have been developed, and are continually updated to address both naturally occurring threats and bio-terrorism. Calloway County Health Department and local and regional partners exercise preparedness plans regularly to practice these plans, and to revise them as needed so that the community is prepared in an actual emergency. These plans might include how to staff and supply shelters during a natural disaster or how to deliver life-saving medications after a bio-terrorist attack. Our Preparedness Team also strives to educate the community on personal and family preparedness in the event of emergencies.
STAY INFORMED
Sign up for the Hyper Reach program, a free program designed to alert Calloway County citizens of emergencies or important notifications.
What Can You Do?
KNOW THE RISKS
Likely disasters in our area:
• Outbreak of communicable disease
• Flood
• Fire
• Earthquake
• Severe Weather
• Chemical spills/releases
MAKE A PLAN
Emergency preparedness starts with YOU! Make sure you and your family have a plan for when emergencies or disasters occur.
Build an Emergency Kit
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Learn how to get started building your kit:
English - Build a Kit
Spanish - Prepare un kit de suministros
The MRC is a national program that utilizes local health and medical volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency responses, and community resiliency. Kentucky’s MRC is comprised of medical and non-medical personnel who volunteer their time and expertise to supplement existing public health resources during emergencies and at other times of community need. To serve your community as an MRC volunteer, visit www.kentuckyhelps.com to register.
Get Involved
Looking to get active in the community? Check out these organizations!
CERT is a national preparedness program sponsored by FEMA. Calloway County course members receive 24 hours of initial basic training in response skills such as fire safety, light search & rescue, disaster medical operations/first aid and emergency team organization. You will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies you should have in your house and with you, and how to safely and effectively respond. You will also learn how to effectively work with emergency response agencies. For more information, contact the Calloway County Office of Emergency Management.