Eastern Highlands Health District is prepared and ready to respond to any public health emergency such as a natural disaster, an act of terrorism, or a disease outbreak.
Emergency Preparedness Information
The traditional role of local public health, in Connecticut and across the country, is changing. Public Health has been added to the list of emergency responders. EHHD has completed its state-mandated Emergency Response Plans. Through the development of these plans, EHHD is engaged with multiple local and regional partners to ensure that critical resources will be coordinated efficiently and effectively in the event of a large-scale emergency.
EHHD continues to update plans, and conduct training on the use of emergency plans, to strengthen the public health infrastructure in our communities. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan for the Eastern Highlands Health District can be a helpful document for all residents to be familiar with in the event of an emergency.
Eastern Highlands Health District has also has a Medical Countermeasures Plan for events that require a quick and organized response with medications (pills or vaccine). The Plan contains general guidance and information that serves as a reference for the District in responding to an Influenza outbreak such as the H1N1 virus or COVID-19. This plan details how the District would set up a Point of Dispensing that is scalable to the emergency and facilitates a rapid response.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Health District relies heavily on community volunteers to carry out its response role in an emergency. Volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, psychiatrists and psychologists and veterinarians as well as community members without any medical background, have joined together to help their neighbors during a time of need.
The Eastern Highlands Health District has two options for volunteers. Volunteers can serve as Public Health Reservists, remaining inactive until called upon to respond, only during a Public Health Emergency, or serve in the Eastern Highlands Health District with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) – an active volunteer organization that serves a primary role during emergencies, meets regularly for training, engages in community projects such as flu clinics, health fairs and emergency training for our citizens and qualifies volunteers for deployment anywhere in Connecticut during an emergency.
For more information go to Volunteer Now!
Resources for Readiness: Be Prepared for an Emergency
Taking simple steps now can make a big difference in ensuring your safety and well-being and that of your loved ones during a time of an emergency incident. We urge you to start today. Ready America resources help you answer common questions and provide step by step guidance you can take now to protect you and your loved ones.
CT Council on Developmental Disabilities Safety Advocacy For Emergencies
Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers
Hurricanes – Learn How To Protect Yourself. emergency.cdc.gov
Hurricane Health & Safety Tips
NOAAWatch: your all hazards weather monitor which keeps you informed of all weather related hazards including flood watches, severe storms and hurricanes.
2-1-1: supported by the State of Connecticut and United Way, this is a free information and referral service. Simply dial 2-1-1, a toll-free number throughout Connecticut, and you can reach knowledgeable, multilingual staff and get information, referrals or seek help in a crisis. 2-1-1 operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. TDD access is available.
Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security: (DEMHS) The Mission of the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is to direct and coordinate all available resources to protect the life and property of the citizens of Connecticut in the event of a disaster or crisis, through a collaborative program of prevention, planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and public education.
Federal Emergency Management Agency: (FEMA) FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Emergency Preparedness Plans
Click on the links below to view EHHD’s emergency plans:
EHHD’s Emergency Preparedness Plan