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Response to a Public Health Threat

Emergency Preparedness

Strategic National Stockpile

The mission of Centers for Disease Control’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Program is to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, other medical supplies, and equipment necessary to counter the effects of nerve agents, biological pathogens and chemical agents. The SNS Program stands ready for immediate deployment to any US location in the event of a terrorist attack using a biological toxin or chemical agent directed against a civilian population.

Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Plan

The Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Plan is the countywide plan for large-scale antibiotic or vaccine dispensing in the event of an infectious disease emergency. The Florida Department of Health in Lake County is responsible for creating and maintaining this plan. Emergencies of this magnitude would include bioterrorism attacks through agents such as anthrax or smallpox as well as naturally occurring disease epidemics like pandemic influenza or meningococcal disease.

Point of Dispensing Sites

During a public health emergency, Points of Dispensing (PODS) are locations where large populations can receive medications or shots very quickly. PODs will be open to the public and all antibiotics and vaccines that are offered in response to the emergency will be free. PODs will be located throughout Lake County to provide accessibility for every community. In an emergency, media outlets and government agencies will release POD locations and hours of operation.

Disaster Preparedness for Families

It is important that we make sure that our families know what to do before, during and after a terrorist event. A Family Disaster Plan and disaster Supply Kit will help account for the safety of all family members in a disaster. Your family should review the plan frequently. Treat this plan as you would a fire drill.

Your Family disaster Plan should include emergency contact telephone numbers, a disaster supply kit, a family meeting site and more. Learn more from the Florida Division of Emergency Management

Why Your Family Should Identify Rally Points

Because your family is not together 24 hours a day, it is important for you to consider how you would find each other in a disaster. When choosing a family meeting location, you should consider selecting the most commonly frequented location (i.e., work, school, or neighbors). For example, parents should include a designated location in the plan to meet children if a crisis occurs while they are at school.

Items to Consider When Developing Your Plan

Discuss the various types of hazards that could affect your family:

Determine an escape route from your home and places to meet including a child's school, a neighbor's house, family meeting location, or a familiar public place. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have at least two ways of contacting this person like email or phone. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, in your wallet, or purse, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Stock nonperishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit. Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.