Disaster Preparedness
Some Of The Articles
Assessing Functional Needs Sheltering in Pike County, Kentucky: Using a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response
Abstract
Family and Business Preparedness
American Red Cross
Kentucky Office of Homeland Security
Emergency Preparedness and Response (CDC)
Ky Department for Public Health Preparedness
Disease Prevention and Control
Pandemic Flu
Clean Hands Campaign (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health Resources
Kentucky’s Local Health Departments
Emergency Planning
FEMA
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Training and Education
KY TRAIN
Law Enforcement Agencies
Kentucky State Police
Kentucky Police Departments
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Fire Departments
Kentucky Fire Departments
Emergency Preparedness requires attention to steps that increase preparedness for any type of hazard.
In the wake of recent hurricanes, tornados, acts of terrorism and the threat of pandemic influenza, the possibility of a public health emergency is real. Taking actions to be prepared for unexpected events helps people deal with disasters much more effectively when they do occur. Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate ways to respond to them will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.
Bioterrorism Agents Information https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dphps/phpb/Pages/bioterrorism.aspx
Natural Disasters & Weather
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather are natural events that threaten lives, property, and other assets. They tend to occur repeatedly in the same geographical locations because they are related to weather patterns or physical characteristics of an area. Natural Disasters and Severe Weather such as flood, fire, earthquake, tornado, winter storms and windstorms affect thousands of people every year. We need to know what our risks are from natural hazards and take sensible precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. Listed below are links to information for specific hazards that could affect our state and area.
More Information on Natural Disasters and Severe Weather:
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Floods
Landslides and Mudslides
Power Outages
Severe Weather Awareness
Tornadoes
Wildfires
Winter Weather
Disasters can affect any part of the World at any time of the year, quickly and often without warning. Many people don’t think a disaster will happen until it is too late; then they suddenly realize how unprepared they are for the massive changes it makes in their lives. Local officials can be overwhelmed and emergency response personnel may not be able to reach everyone who needs help right away. Families may be on their own for several days.
Disasters require clean-up and recovery. The clean-up and recovery period after a disaster is often very difficult for families, at times as devastating as the disaster itself. Families who are prepared ahead of time can reduce the fear, confusion and losses that come with disaster. They can be ready to evacuate their homes, provide assistance to others, know what to expect in public shelters and how to provide basic first aid. The links below provide further information on developing a Family Disaster Plan, Family Disaster Supply Kit, and many other pieces of important information to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster. Be Ready America – Get at Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
Family Preparedness Links
American Red Cross Checklist
Disaster Plan
Disaster Supply Kit
Infants Nutrition During a Disaster
Be Prepared Coloring Book
Preparing Pets for Disasters
Sheltering in Place
During 2009-2011, Pike County, Kentucky, experienced a series of severe weather events that resulted in property damage, insufficient potable water, and need for temporary shelters. A Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey was implemented for future planning. CASPER assesses household health status, preparedness level, and anticipated demand for shelters.
We used a 2-stage cluster sampling design to randomly select 210 representative households for in-person interviews. We estimated the proportion of households with children aged 2 years or younger; adults aged 65 years or older; and residents with chronic health conditions, visual impairments, physical limitations, and supplemental oxygen requirements.
Of all households surveyed, 8% included children aged 2 years or younger, and 27% included adults aged 65 years or older. The most common chronic health conditions were heart disease (51%), diabetes (28%), lung disease (23%), and asthma (21%). Visual impairments were reported in 29% of households, physical limitations in 24%, and supplemental oxygen use in 12%.
Pike County residents should be encouraged to maintain an adequate supply of medications and copies of their prescriptions. Emergency response plans should include transportation for persons with physical limitations; and shelter plans should include sufficient medically trained staff and adequate supplies of infant formula, pharmaceuticals, and supplemental oxygen. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:597-602)
Kentucky Emergency Management
Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) is a division of the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and its role and function are governed by legislative action as dictated in Chapter KRS 39A-F of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
The Kentucky Emergency Management consists of our main office located on Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, KY, and field offices across the Commonwealth.
Vision – A resilient commonwealth that is safe, secure, and prepared for emergencies and disasters, because of the programs and efforts of a superior emergency management team that is staffed and led by professional managers and administrators.
Mission – Serving Our Commonwealth