Preparedness & Response

Public Health Emergency Plans

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere and can affect you and your family. When they occur, you may not have much time to respond. Public health emergencies could be a flood, tornado or even a man-made threat such as bio-terrorism.

Disasters could confine you to your home or cut off basic services such as water and electricity. Following a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene but they cannot reach everyone immediately.

When disasters occur, people experience increased worry, anxiety, and anger.  The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling.  Click here for more information or call 1-800-985-5990 to speak with helpline staff, available 24/7.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Be prepared for the possibility of being without food, water, or electricity for an extended period of time. Having a plan to shelter-in-place with enough supplies for two weeks is a good plan. Keep family and friends emergency phone numbers with your supplies. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.

Learn more about building a basic disaster supplies kit.