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Emergency Preparedness
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2007 Floods |
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2004 Tornado |
While it will never be possible to fully be prepared for every potential threat, we should all be working to prepare ourselves for a variety of emergencies to the extent possible. Preparations are being made at the national and state levels, but preparedness really begins at the individual and local levels. Public Health Solutions District Health Department has teamed up with county Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Government Officials, and other key community players to create preparedness plans for their communities.
What does Public Health Do in a Disaster?
A Public Health Disaster may touch on issues like clean water, sanitation or infectious disease. Early detection of infections, investigation and control of hazards, rapid communication of essential information and the assurance of environmental safety are the primary concerns of Public Health. During a disaster, Public Health Solutions will collaborate with other organizatinos to ensure that the citizens of each county are protected and cared for. In preparation for disasters, Public Health Solutions continually works to develop and improve strategies that will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
What is happening in our area?
Public Health Emergency Response Teams (PHERT) enlist key community players who can provide response and resources in the time of a disaster or terrorism event. Planning is taking place on a regular basis to address the vulnerabilities and needs of each community. This group is designed to bring together decision-makers of a community to plan for and be prepared to respond to a disaster or terrorism event.
Vaccines and Medication Distribution
In the event of an outbreak of infectious disease, whether it is a biological agent or influenza, plans are in place in each county to protect our communities through mass dispensing clinics where vaccines or medication can be distributed. Through Public Health Solutions, our district would receive the supplies and medication needed to administer protection or treatment to reduce or prevent the spread of a virus or disease. These clinics will be established on an as needed basis and will be identified through press releases or news briefings.
What can I do to help?
Working together and stepping up to the plate is what makes living in rural Nebraska a worthwhile experience. Rural residents understand the importance of helping your neighbor and in the event of a disaster; volunteers are what will make a county response happen. If you would like to learn more about how you could assist in a disaster response or support a mass clinic in your county you can visit www.region5systems.net and click on Emergency Response Volunteer tab for more information or to register with the Southeast Nebraska Disaster Volunteer Registry.
Links for more information
Winter weather safety and preparedness:
Safety during power outages
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Winter Weather Fact Sheet (tips for during the storm start on page 4)
Become more prepared at home or work:
www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness
www.ready.gov
www.redcross.org
Bioterrorism and preparedness efforts nationwide:
www.cdc.gov
www.naccho.org
| Emergency Management and Response County Contacts |
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| Fillmore County |
Emergency Management
emergencymanagement@fillmorecounty.org |
Terry Marshall |
402-759-4914 |
| County Commissioner Representative |
Steve Yates |
402-759-3945 |
| Gage County |
Emergency Management
gagecoema@diodecom.net |
Mark Meints |
402-223-1305 |
| County Commissioner Representative |
Dave Anderson |
766-3790 |
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| Jefferson County |
Emergency Management
jeffcoema@diodecom.net |
John McKee |
402-729-3602 |
| County Commissioner Representative |
Tony Likens |
402-759-5792 |
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| Saline County |
Emergency Management
scema@diodecom.net |
BJ Fictum |
402-826-3010 |
| County Commissioner Representative |
Janet Henning |
402-826-2819 |
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| Thayer County |
Emergency Management
region13ema@alltel.net |
Dan Jantzen |
402-879-5553 |
| County Commissioner Representative |
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402-356-4371 |
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Mass Dispensing Clinic Locations (link active during emergencies)
Pandemic Influenza (links active during emergencies)
Influenza Clinic Locations - Triage Criteria (Should I see a physician?)
How to care for yourself at home
Hotlines (211)
Forms(links active during emergencies)
Vaccination Criteria/Education
Vaccination Registration Form
Clinic Inventory Sheets
Volunteer Tracking Form
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