Emergency Preparedness

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

Medical Reserve Corps-Volunteer or Request Volunteers

flood, health worker in protective equipment, lightening, snowstorm

Each month HCHD will bring you information and resources about different hazards and how to be prepared to respond.

September: Time for Preparedness

Not only is it National Preparedness Month, but it is also a natural time to reflect on the importance of being prepared for emergencies. As we transition from summer to fall, the changing season brings its own set of risks, including severe weather events and natural disasters. In September, we are reminded to take proactive steps that safeguard ourselves and our communities from the unique local hazards.

National Preparedness Month. Preparedness Starts at Home.

Local Howard County Hazards:

Extreme Temperature (Heat & Cold)
Sever Weather (Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Flash Flooding, Lightning)
Transportation Hazards (accidents, fuel/chemical leaks, road hazards)
Power Outage

Make Plans

FEMA: 'Start a Conversation' Video

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
- Establish a Unique word for use (in case calling from unknown number)
Create a Shelter Plan
- Identify shelter in your home
- Shelter location when evacuating
Sign up for Emergency Alerts & Warnings
- Sign up/Follow Health Department Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
- Sign up/Follow Office of Emergency Management Facebook & Twitter
Consider your family’s unique needs
- Ages of all Household Members
- Cultural and religious
- Pets or service animals
- Identification
- Important Documents (insurance policies, deeds/titles)
- Medical Conditions and/or special needs
- Allergies

Ready.gov: Make a Plan

Create an Emergency Kit

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Nonperishable food
Water
Medications
First Aid Items
Flashlights
Batteries
Battery-Powered Radio
Hygiene Items
Prescription Eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant Formula, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
Pet Food and Extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Games, puzzles, and books for activities (children & adults)
Disaster Recovery Kit Checklist

Home Safety

Smoke Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire Extinguisher
Heating System -Evaluation/Cleaning
Fireplace/chimney cleaning
Potential Hazards
- Cleaning Supplies
- Lawn Care Products
- Oils & Lubricants
- Button Batteries
- Medications (prescription, psychoactive, and over the counter)
Radon Testing
Store important Documents in Fireproof/waterproof box/safe
Store electronic documents in cloud-based storage
Keep Valuable items in higher locations of home

Get Involved

Become an MRC Volunteer or email HoCoMRC@howardcountymd.gov
Become a Community Organizations Active in Disaster Member (COAD)
Attend Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Meetings
Participate in CPR Classes
Participate in Stop the Bleed Classes

References:

ReadyHoCo
Community Hazard Handbook
Poison Prevention Tips
Poison Help Hotline 1-800-222-1222
- Preparedness Pals Brochure English
- Preparedness Pals Brochure Spanish
- Preparedness Pals Brochure Korean
Be Ready: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Children and Youth with Disabilities/Medical Needs Video
Emergency Preparedness: How ready are you, really? Video

Be Prepared

Let's Get Started

General Preparedness Information

Extreme Hot and Cold Weather Conditions

Hurricanes, Storms and Floods

Influenza (Flu)

Zika Resources

Bioterrorism Agents & Diseases

Additional Resources

Heat/Sun Safety Tips

Look Before You Lock hot car infographic

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:

Places to cool off on a hot day (contact location to verify operating hours before visiting)

Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677 or visit grassrootscrisis.org.

Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps

How can YOU help in an emergency?
Become a Howard County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer

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.

This organization prepares for and responds to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks.

The MRC also plans community health activities that promote healthy habits.

For more information or questions, contact Randell Young at 410-313-7237 or via email.

Request MRC Volunteers for your organization's public health event

Howard County MRC volunteers may be able to assist your organization with an upcoming event. Complete this request form to let us know what your needs are and you will receive a response within 72 hours from our team with the next steps. Submissions must be completed at least 2 weeks before the event. Questions should be emailed to hocomrc@howardcountymd.gov.

Criteria to qualify for MRC assistance:

The requesting agency provides a service which promotes or supports public health initiatives in Howard County.
The event for which assistance is being sought does not conflict with other planned HCMRC activities.
The requesting agency’s mission may not conflict with the mission of the HCHD, or the HC MRC.

Examples of Public Health Initiatives: