Public Health Preparedness

The Public Health Preparedness program 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 responds to disaster by:

1. Being an active member of Escambia County’s Emergency Operations Center that coordinates the response to all disasters including hurricanes;

2. Ensuring the safety of food and water supplies during a disaster and in the recovery phase as well; and,

3. Prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
    

In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attack on this country, Florida Governor Jeb 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 emergency 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, to respond should an emergency situation develop. The Florida Department of Health Escambia County Health Director is the Regional Public Health and Medical Co-Chair.

The health department is working on enhancing its abilities for the early detection of disease outbreaks including a response to bioterrorism.   Zebra Pack (255kb; ppt)

In addition, this health department is coordinating health/medical facilities in developing a unified response plan that includes training and educating medical professionals and others using the all-hazards concepts for biological, chemical, and radiological and nuclear threats. This includes developing infrastructure and equipment needs to assist in properly protecting and assisting the public.