What is Kossuth County doing to prepare for a public health emergency? KEPT (Kossuth Emergency Preparedness Team) is comprised of representatives from local health, fire, law enforcement, EMS, business and school. This group is coordinating plans to respond to bio-emergencies.
Why is Kossuth County preparing for a public health emergency? Public health emergency is unique type of emergency. This type of emergency has the potential to cause illness/disease in a very large number of people who could overwhelm clinics and hospitals and cause high levels of absenteeism in schools and every workforce, including community services.
Kossuth County Public Health Emergency plan available to the public? Yes. Public health emergency is still in the process of being developed. Contact KRHC’s Community Health if you would like more information.
Will the response of Kossuth County’s health and emergency agencies be coordinated? Yes. The purpose of KEPT (Kossuth Emergency Preparedness Team) is to get those people working together.
How will real time information be shared? During a public health emergency real time information will be made available through press conferences, press releases to newspapers, radio, and on KRHC’s website (www.krhc.com), and through KRHC’s information line (515-295-4451). Information for the public will be coordinated through the Joint Information Center (JIC).
Will city and county departments be providing services during a public health emergency? Maintaining Kossuth’s city and county services is a priority during an emergency. However city and county departments may experience employee shortages due to ill staff. If so, emergency plans will prioritize essential services first. Standard services may be less regular than usual. Every effort will be made to notify the public of service changes.
Will local grocery stores and pharmacies be open for business? Maintaining regular operating hours and services will be a main concern. Anticipate that you may have difficulty obtaining medicines and certain foods and plan accordingly.
What can I do now? There are many simple things you can do now to protect yourself and your family before an emergency occurs. This is the time to prepare.
Emergency supply kit
Make communication plan with your family and friends
Know and follow non medical steps
Keep yourself informed and be prepared to follow emergency notifications.
What is public health preparedness? Being prepared for emergencies that are a part of life. Whether it is a tornado, flooding, winter storms, or an act of terrorism, all which can occur quickly and without warning. For example, foodborne illness, Anthrax chemical warfare, and other types of biological agents.
