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Preparedness

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Today, local public health organizations must be prepared to respond in the event of a public health threat such as:

  • Infectious disease outbreak

  • Bioterrorism event

  • Chemical spill

  • Contamination of drinking water

  • Natural disasters

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Both state and local health departments receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to improve capacity in planning, epidemiological response, education and training, public risk communication and information dissemination, and improvement of current information technology resources.  The Bell County Public Health District uses these funds to employ full-time employees to support local efforts for public health emergency preparedness.  Please contact the District’s main office at (254)773-4457, if you have any questions or would like additional information.

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For more information about preparedness see TexasPrepares.org. Here you can find information on how to build an emergency kit and how to prepare your homes generally for disasters.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has information on preparedness that follows the Zombie Preparedness theme. This is meant to take part in the pop culture fascination with zombie movies, books, and television, but the information is valuable and engaging for all-hazards preparedness. That can be found here. 

How to prepare in your home

Small Ambulance

Remember:
All disasters are local!

In large-scale events, emergency services are overloaded and responders may not be able to get to you as quickly as you need them, which is why preparation for disasters is so important. 

Emergency disaster

Prepare for a health emergency by taking necessary steps

To learn more about the necessary steps involved in preparing for an emergency please click here.

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Remember to plan for your pets too! 

First Aid Kit

Family Disaster Preparedness kit

This kit is intended to keep you fed and safe for at least 3 days. Make sure to include basic things your family needs to survive. To learn more about preparedness kits and what should be included in yours please click here.

Checklist

Know what to do if disaster strikes

  • Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled. 

  • Confine or secure your pets. 

  • Stay away from downed power lines or other obvious hazards. 

Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism is an intentional release of biological agents with the intention to cause harm. They may be bacterial or viral in nature. Such agents are typically found in nature but can be altered to increase their potential for harm. Depending on the agent used it may be spread through person-to-person contact, air, or water. These agents are categorized as either Category A Agents, Category B Agents, or Category C Agents. 

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To learn more about Bioterrorism category agents please click here.

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