How We Prepare For Emergencies
There are many potential emergencies and disasters that could affect the health of the public. These include natural disasters (like tornados and floods), epidemics (like Ebola), pandemics (like H1N1), and terrorism (including the release of chemicals). These emergencies require a coordinated response at the local, regional, and national level.
As part of the local response, BEDHD responds to emergencies and disasters to help keep our communities safe and healthy. BEDHD prepares for public health emergencies by making and exercising emergency plans, working with state and local agencies, and educating people in the community on what they can do to prepare for an emergency.
BEDHD Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is a component of all public health’s 10 Essential Functions. BEDHD prepares for public health emergencies in many ways:
- Participating in the District 1 Regional Medical Response Coalition (for Eaton County) and the 5th District Medical Response Coalition (for Barry County)
Regional Medical Response Coalition districts; BEDHD participates in District 1 (Eaton) and District 5 (Barry). - Partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Creating, exercising, and updating plans to respond to public health emergencies
- Educating the community about how to prepare for emergencies
- Working with local businesses and organizations to increase response capability during emergencies
More Information
For more information about BEDHD's emergency preparedness efforts, contact Maddie Vervaeke at mvervaeke@bedhd.org.