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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565

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Emergency Preparedness

Skip to info on:

Summer/Heat

Severe Storms

Winter Weather

2007 Floods
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. One example of is the Pandemic Flu 101 Table Top Exercise held in June 2009.

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

Summer/heat safety and preparedness:

Signs of Heat Stress (CDC)

Kids and Cars (pdf)

Planning for Extreme Heat: Older Adults & Family Caregivers (pdf)

Power Outages [scroll down for Extreme Heat section] (pdf, Eng./Español)

Severe storms safety and preparedness:

NEMA hotline for June 2010 floods, call 888-656-6045 7am-7pm daily

Resources for coping with severe storms and flooding, NHHS

River Forecasts from the National Weather Service

Driving and Floods, fact sheet from DOR

Storm cleanup tips from DEQ

After a Flood, CDC guidance

West Nile virus prevention (post-flood recovery)

Flood insurance handbook (en Español)

Keeping food safe during/after an emergency

Disaster recovery manual (en Español)

Winter weather safety and preparedness:

Safety during power outages

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

Winter Weather Fact Sheet (start at page 4)

Be 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

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