Wayne County Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program is funded by a CDC grant through the Ohio Department of Health and is currently in its 22nd year. The program is managed by the Emergency Response (ERC) and PHEP coordinator, whose job is to prepare for, respond to, and help communities recover from public health emergencies. The program aims to improve Public Health’s ability to handle events like bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anywhere, anytime, and often occur without warning. Take the necessary steps to protect you and your family ahead of time. Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to creating your own.
Keep in mind that your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it's important to know how you'll contact each other and reconnect if separated.
Maintaining Your Kit
- After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in a tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.