Public Health Preparedness

The Public Health Preparedness division provides operational and tactical level planning to support preparation, response, and recovery from natural and man-made disasters. Planners work in concert with other health department divisions to ensure plans are coordinated and there is unity of effort.

The County Health Department is an active member of the County’s Emergency Operation Center that coordinates the response to natural disasters such as hurricanes.

To ensure the safety of food and water supplies during a disaster and in the recovery phase as well.

To prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

In the aftermath of the September 11^th  terrorist attack on the country, Governor Bush directed and approved the formation of seven “ Regional Domestic Security Task Forces”. The responsibilities of these Task Forces are to improve Florida’s ability to detect and prevent potential terrorist threats; to train and equip public safety first responders and disaster response teams; to improve Florida’s response and recovery capabilities; to promote better public awareness of suspicious incidents and how they may be reported and how to respond should an emergency situation develop. The Escambia County Health Director is the Regional Health and Medical Co-Chair.

The Health Department is working on enhancing its abilities for the early detection of disease outbreaks. It is also working with its community partners in developing a response to an event of Bio-terrorism. This includes not only biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox, but chemical agents and nuclear devices as well.  Zebra Pack (255kb; ppt)

Coordinate health/medical facilities in developing a unified response plan.
Train and educate medical providers and others concerning potential disease threats and chemical decontamination.

Develop infrastructure and equipment needs to assist in properly protecting and treating the public.