Public Health Preparedness Program
Mission: To prepare and respond to natural and man-made public health emergencies including, but not limited to:
- severe weather conditions
- bioterrorism
- disease outbreaks
- radiological/nuclear hazards
Each month HCHD will bring you information and resources about different hazards and how to be prepared to respond.
October: Outdoor Safety
The Be Street Wise campaign reminds everyone to follow traffic laws and rules of road with the goal to make Maryland roadways safer. Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration uses a context-driven approach in the planning and engineering of roadways to provide access and mobility for all users. Education must always support engineering, and that’s why Be Street Wise is so important.
To learn more about the Be Street Wise safety campaign, click on links below:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts the proportion of deaths of people “outside the vehicle” (motorcyclists, pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and other nonoccupants) increased.
- Low of 20% in 1996
- High of 38% in 2024
Pedestrian injuries and deaths are preventable and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) some groups have a higher risk for pedestrian death.
- Adults aged 65 years and older accounted for 22% of all Pedestrian deaths in 2022
- While accounting for 17% of the entire U.S. Population in 2022
- Non-Hispanic American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black Persons
- Highest pedestrian death rates among all racial and ethnic groups in 2022
Everyone at one time or another is a pedestrian. Visit the NHTSA webpage for tips - drivers, walking safety, and keeping kids safe while they walk. Use this Walkability Checklist to rate your neighborhood’s walkability, as it suggests what can be done to work together to keep pedestrians safe.
Howard County is the home to 8 regional parks and 30 neighborhood parks. Check Park hours and locations before going out on the trails. Register for outdoor classes, activities, and/or events.
Trail Tips:
- Walk or hike in groups to avoid being stranded alone and bring a map of the area
- Stay on marked trails
- wear reflective material
- carry a whistle/noisemaker
- Drink plenty of water and take frequent rests
- Carry identification and a cell phone
- Keep pets on leashes
- Ask permission before interacting with unfamiliar pets
- Bag and tie pet waste, then place it in trash
- Do not interact with wildlife
- Walk Maryland Day – October 7, 2026
- Walktober 2026
Exploring the outdoors is fun and helps you stay active, but there are some risks. These include illnesses spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and animals that can carry rabies. Maryland had 3093 cases of Lymes disease, including 253 in Howard County. In 2025. there were many reports of animal bites and other animal exposures, and 226 confirmed rabies cases statewide (6 in Howard County). As reported by the Maryland Department of Health It is important to stay safe outside by using bug spray, checking for ticks, and avoiding wild animals.
- Learn how Mosquito-Borne Diseases spread and how to prevent the spread:
- Learn about Tick-Borne Diseases and how to prevent the spread:
- Learn how Rabies spread and how to prevent the spread:
Resources:
Be Prepared
Additional Resources
How can YOU help in an emergency?
Become a Public Health Hero - Join the Howard County Medical Reserve Corps
The Howard County Medical Reserve Corps (HCMRC) Program is volunteer organization created in July 2002. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers can be medical and public health professionals or community members with no healthcare background.
Howard County Health Department
Phone: 410-313-6300
After Hours: 410-313-2200
Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Phone: 410-767-6500
Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)
Phone: 410-517-3600
Extreme heat can be dangerous after long periods of exposure, if proper precautions are not taken.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers posed by prolonged sun and heat exposure, follow the below tips:
- NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
- If you must be outside in the heat, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.
- Take frequent rest breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas if you must work or exercise outdoors. If possible, stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness, including: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, vomiting, fainting, dry/red skin.
- Check regularly on infants, elderly, family and neighbors with health conditions as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
- If planning a trip to the lake/beach/pool to cool off, be sure to review swim and water safety guidelines with your family and children
Additional Resources about Heat/Sun Safety:
- NHTSA Prevent Hot Car Deaths
- CDC Sun Safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics Drowning Prevention
- National Weather Service Heat Safety
- Heat.gov
- Heat Emergency Awareness: Hot Weather Tips and Heat-Related Illnesses
Places to cool off on a hot day (contact location to verify operating hours before visiting)
- Howard County Library System Branches
- Howard County 50+ Centers
- Howard County Recreation & Parks Community Centers
- The Mall in Columbia
- Map of Howard County Cooling Centers
Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677 or visit grassrootscrisis.org(opens in a new window).