Health Dept. works with towns to protect residents during public health emergencies
DUPAGE COUNTY—With September being National Preparedness Month, the DuPage County Health Department is reminding residents that this is a good time to prepare for unexpected events by assembling an emergency supply kit for their homes.
The Health Department works hand-in-hand with municipalities and other organizations throughout DuPage County to prepare for public health emergencies, including events that require the distribution of medications and other medical supplies to safeguard all county residents.
Working with its community partners, the Health Department is planning, training and exercising its emergency plans to deliver medications to county residents within a short period of time.
What can residents do to prepare for emergencies and disasters? During Preparedness Month in September, all county residents should take the steps that are necessary to ensure their homes and workplaces have emergency response plans.
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:
• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• A dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, electrical power converter or solar charger
Additional emergency supply kit instructions can be found at http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html
The theme for this year's National Preparedness Month is “A Time to Remember – A Time to Prepare.” That advice is especially timely this year during the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
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