Description And Mission Of The Program

The mission of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response program is to plan for and respond to public health emergency and disaster events within Cowlitz County.

Related Health Department Web Links

• BioTerrorism - Public Health Response 

• Chemical and Physical Hazards

• Pandemic Influenza

• Stop Germs, Stay Healthy

• Public Health Volunteers- MRC Program

Related County Websites

• Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

• Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management

• Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• National Health Alert Network (HAN)

• American Red Cross

• American Red Cross Safe and Well List

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

Community Plans

 Health Department's Role In An Emergency Situation

In the event of an emergency situation that impacts the health of the public, the Health Department will play an integral role in the local response and will coordinate with local, state and national agencies.  The Health Department also plays an integral role in our region's continued surveillance of reportable diseases and incidents of unexplainable illnesses.  The Health Department staff is continually preparing and training in all aspects of emergency preparedness.  

Current Issues

• Avian and Pandemic Influenza Information

• DOH Pandemic Influenza Information

• "Cover Your Cough" Posters & Materials

• Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• How to Sanitize During a Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak

• Purifying Household Water

• National Incident Management (NIMS)

• Staying Safe in Bad Weather

Be Prepared

Emergencies and disasters can happen quickly and without warning, forcing people to evacuate their communities or be confined in their homes. The best way to make homes and communities safer is to be prepared before a disaster or emergency happens.  Planning and preparing ahead of time can help ensure that if an emergency or disaster occurs, people are ready to get through it as safely as possible.

One of the easiest ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones is to create an emergency supply kit for your home. The minimum amount of time that a kit should support you and your family is three days, however, it is important to keep in mind that in the event of a large emergency or disaster situation, a kit might need to sustain you and your family for up to 2 weeks. 

• Get a Kit      

• Make An Emergency Supply Kit

It is also important that you and your loved ones make a clear communications plan to prepare your family on how you will communicate in the event of an emergency or disaster situation. 

• Make a Plan

Emergency Situations

It is important to be aware of the different types of emergency or disaster situations that could occur.  Knowing these differences can impact the decisions you make and the actions you take in protecting yourself and your loved ones.  

• Be Informed

How to Report an Emergency:

If you believe that you have been exposed to a biological, chemical or radiological agent, or if you believe an intentional threat will occur or is occurring, please contact local emergency responders by calling 911. If you live in an area without 911 service, contact your local emergency, medical, or police service.

To get more information during and after an emergency, listen to your local television and radio broadcasts. If needed, contact local authorities such as the police or state or local health department (however, do not call a 911 or other emergency telephone line unless you need assistance with an immediate physical or medical emergency). If possible, you may also check media and state or local health department Web sites and CDC’s Emergency and Preparedness Web site.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/