Public health must be prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies that can occur with little warning and may affect all or a portion of the population. Communicable disease outbreaks are one of the most common types of public health emergency. However, an intentional act of terrorism (bioterrorism, chemical or radiological event) could result in environmental and public health hazards to the community. Public health emergencies may require the coordinated response of multiple divisions within Okanogan County /or the involvement of community response partners to assure a swift, effective response to all types of emergencies.

Personal Preparedness

Communities throughout North Central Washington are subject to a number of potential natural disasters such as fires, floods and severe storms. Recent events have heightened awareness to the threat of man-made disasters, as well. Okanogan County Public Health urges its employees and the residents of Okanogan County to prepare for emergencies by developing a family emergency preparedness plan.

Disaster Preparedness Handbook

The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a number of helpful tools to develop a family emergency preparedness plan, which should include these four steps:
 

1. Identify the types of emergencies that could happen to you
    
2. Create a family disaster plan – don’t forget pets
    
3. Put your plan into action – collect supplies, perform training
    
4. Practice and maintain your plan.