Emergency Preparedness and Response
Emergency Preparedness
Responsible for planning, preparing, responding, and recovery capabilities in addition to close collaboration with local, regional, NYS, and Federal agencies relative to natural and man-made disasters, acts of terrorism, bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.
- Demonstrates and test capabilities through preparedness measures, exercises, and trainings to ensure the safety of the general public.
- Assists with bringing community partners together in times of emergency or disaster.
- This integrated system establishes a uniform set of processes, protocols, and procedures that all emergency responders, at every level of government, will use during an emergency.
Emergencies
Thinking about emergencies can be stressful, so try and familiarize yourself with this information ahead of time. And remember, always follow health and safety alerts from government organizations and other experts during the emergency.
Whether an emergency is caused by disease outbreak, wildfire, severe weather, earthquake or terrorist act, would you know what to do to help protect yourself and your family?
Get the facts about all types of emergencies that could affect you and your family. Learn about each threat and what steps to take to deal with it.
An emergency can happen at any time and in any place. Knowing the facts can help you be prepared for these emergencies and help you to stay safe.
- Biological EmergenciesThese include diseases as well as biological agents that may be used for terrorism.
- Chemical EmergenciesThese include harmful chemical spills and chemicals that are used in acts of terrorism.
- Radiological EmergenciesThese are emergencies involving the release of radiation that could harm people’s health.
- Weather and Home EmergenciesThese are emergencies involving potential hazards such as winter weather, extreme heat, flooding, or carbon monoxide.
From New York State Department of Health
Click HERE for more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Aware Prepare Information – Be Aware and Prepared!
In an Emergency, Know Where to Go, What to Do, Who to Call
If faced with an actual emergency that threatened your health and safety, would you know what to do? Do you and those in your home have what they need to respond quickly and in the right way?
Put Together an Emergency Supply Kit
Now is your chance to answer these questions and prepare your household-so that you will be ready no matter what happens. Having the right supplies on hand can make life easier during a power outage, flood, storm, or other emergency. Even though you would probably be able to leave your home, you should set aside a supply of food, water, and other essentials that would last from three to seven days.
Make a Plan and Practice It
Take time now to create a family emergency preparedness plan. Then, practice your plan with your family every six months, sometimes with the lights out. In an emergency, the electricity may be off.
Know These Things to Stay Safe
Make sure everybody in your home knows where you keep your emergency supplies and your first aid kit. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio or TV with extra batteries in case the power goes out. Know which radio and TV station(s) can give you up-to-date local information. Know the best escape route from each room of your house and where family members will meet in case they can’t get home. Know your community’s public alert system and your child’s school emergency plan. Knowledge is power.
If the electricity has gone off or a storm is raging outside, there are things that you and your family must do to stay safe. Please take the time to explore this Web page and learn more.
From New York State Department of Health
Click a link below to be redirected to the Federal Emergency Agency:
Volunteer to Lend a Helping Hand
New Yorkers are known for their generous spirit and desire to lend a helping hand, especially during times of crisis. Over 15,000 New Yorkers have shown that by registering with ServNY, a program for volunteers who provide their knowledge and assistance to help communities respond to emergencies.
These dedicated volunteers may take part in activities locally, in other regions of New York State, or across the nation.
Can I Serve?
Yes! ServNY is seeking volunteers to serve during public health emergencies, such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
Volunteers can be:
- Health Care Providers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Administrative Professionals
- Logistics Coordinators
Signing up before the need arises is important so you can be there when fellow New Yorkers need an extra hand.
If you are interested you can learn more by clicking here.
From New York State Department of Health
Sesame Workshop, along with its project partners has created Let’s Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies with tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies – together!
Click the link below for an activity sheet for kids to play and learn about being ready for emergencies from the New York State Department of Health
Click the link below for information on Fan Use during really hot days and information on heat-related illness