Emergency Preparedness
The LMAS District Health Department leads the public health response to emergencies that could pose a major threat to health and safety to residents, workers and visitors in our communities.
Public health has always had a critical role in anticipating and planning for possible community health emergencies. Traditionally, these efforts have focused on identification and containment of naturally occurring infectious diseases and regulatory activities involving the safety of food service sanitation and drinking water/sewage treatment systems.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 re-focused the scope of health department emergency preparedness. While the traditional roles continue, response planning now includes an ‘all-hazard’ approach to minimizing the health threats resulting from agents of biological, chemical and radiological agents of terrorism; natural disasters; and major accidents.
The major role of the Health Department during public health emergencies is to receive medications and vaccines from the Center for Disease Control or other sources and dispense them to the public through mass clinics. This is accomplished though partnership and collaboration with a network of local, regional, state and federal Public Health professionals and emergency responders. The Health Department also plays a leadership role in communicating information on diseases; prevention and control measures; and disease surveillance and occurrence.
The Upper Peninsula is subject to year round conditions which could pose a threat and create a disaster situation. A severe storm, flood, fire, windstorm, utility failure, hazardous materials spill, or act of terrorism may require the implementation of an emergency preparedness plan. Public information announcements will provide you with more information during emergencies. Below are resources you can use to be prepared before an emergency occurs.
Preparedness Actions You Can Take:
Your Loved Ones-Help:
Current Health Concerns:
General Emergency Response:
How You Can Help in our Community:
For more specific threats Click Here.
Public Health Update:
The Public Health Update is a free monthly newsletter created by the Emergency Preparedness Program of the LMAS District Health Department. It provides up-to-date information on infectious diseases, public health emergency and bioterrorism planning efforts, disease surveillance and health tips as they relate to our community.
If you would like to subscribe to the Public Health Update, send an email with the subject "Subscribe Public Health Update"
For past issues of the Public Health Update click here.
Links:
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