Emergency Preparedness
_______________________________________________________________________________
Just in time (JIT) Training for Mass Distribution
Click here to download a copy of the Just in Time Training Script for Mass Distribution
Directed Health Measures Handbook:
Implementation Guidance for Local Health Departments
for the Prevention of Spread of Communicable Disease, Illness or Poisoning
This handbook was developed in response to the Nebraska local public health departments' need for guidance and accurate information on how to prepare for and implement quarantine and isolation quickly. The handbook, like most public health emergency preparedness documents, is a living document in which resources can be added and shared as they are developed. Download Handbook
Nebraska Health and Human Services System Regulations
regarding Directed Health Measures to Prevent or Limit the Spread of Communicable Disease, Illness or Poisoning
These regulations are enacted pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-502, and 81-601 et seq. and apply to the exercise of authority by the Department to order Directed Health Measures necessary to prevent, limit, or slow the spread of communicable disease, illness, or poisoning - dated February 21, 2007. Download Regulations
_______________________________________________________________
PanFlu Template for Schools
Download the "Action Kit for Schools". Two Rivers Public Health Department has a comprehensive template for schools to use when doing their PanFlu Planning. http://www.tworiverspublichealth.com/PandemicInfluenza.htm
_______________________________________________________________
CDC Releases 1918 Pandemic Flu Storybook
08/21/2008
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released an online storybook containing narratives from survivors, families, and friends about one of the largest scourges ever on human kind — the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed millions of people around the world. The storybook provides valuable insight for public health officials preparing for the possibility of another pandemic sometime in our future.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic.
The Internet storybook contains about 50 stories from individuals from 24 states as well as photos and narrative videos from the storytellers.
The idea for such a storybook emerged during crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) training CDC has been conducting with health professionals over the past few years. The online storybook contains narratives from survivors, families, and friends who lived through the 1918 and 1957 pandemics. The agency welcomes new submissions and plans to update the book each quarter. Narratives from the 1968 pandemic are also welcome.
To access the storybook follow, http://www.pandemicflu.gov/storybook/index.html
|
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Communicating in the First Hours – Now Available in Spanish
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Affairs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed public health messages and other related communications resources for federal, state, local, and tribal public health officials to use during a response to a terrorism or other public health emergency.
The web site provides messages that apply to all Category A Biological Agents, as classified by the CDC, as well as messages about chemical and radiological events and suicide bombing. Now there is also a link on each page to the same material in Spanish.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response Web site that provides information on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and the EMAC Environmental Health Assistance Project. This Web page can be accessed at www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/emac.
Providing Mass Medical Care with Scarce Resources
|
A Community Planning Guide
Providing Mass Medical Care with Scarce Resources: A Community Planning Guide provides community planners—as well as planners at the institutional, State, and Federal levels—with information on planning for and responding to a mass casualty event (MCE).
|
For a copy of the report or for more information, go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/mce/
Download Three Rivers Public Health Department's Personal Emergency Preparedness brochure.
CDC’s Public Health Emergency Response Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Public Health Directors Available Online at http://www.bt.cdc.gov
The Public Health Emergency Response Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Public Health Directors is an all-hazards reference tool for health professionals who are responsible for initiating the public health response during the first 24 hours (i.e., the acute phase) of an emergency or disaster. It provides useful information on the activation and integration of a jurisdiction’s public health system into the existing overall emergency response structure during the acute phase of an incident. It also contains guidance that may be unique to specific types of incidents, such as floods, earthquakes, and acts of terrorism.
The guide is not a substitute for emergency preparedness activities and is not intended to replace existing emergency operations plans, procedures, or guidelines within a jurisdiction’s health department. It is consistent with the doctrine, concepts, principles, terminology, and organizational processes in the National Response Plan (NRP) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Responses to Suspicious Letters and Packages
Law enforcement agencies and emergency responders are charged with investigation of suspicious letters and packages in the United States. Those responding are at risk from potential exposure to biologic agents, chemical substances, or radiologic materials. Guidelines for responding to five different types of situations (e.g., letter with unknown powder-like substance and threatening communication) have been developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services/CDC. This guidance is now available at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/pdf/suspicious-package-biothreat.pdf.
Business Emergency Management Planning
Provides a link to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) page describing a comprehensive plan for dealing with terrorism-related events. This plan includes specific instructions to building occupants, actions to be taken by facility management, and first responder notification procedures.
Training Programs
Check PHAN's Calendar of Events
TOOLS
CDC Shelter Assessment Tool
Overview: CDC has developed an Environmental Health Shelter Assessment Tool to assist environmental health practitioners in conducting a rapid assessment of shelter conditions during emergencies and disasters. The tool is an assessment form that covers 14 general areas of environmental health, ranging from basic food safety and water quality to pet (companion animal) wellness, and allows for the documentation of immediate needs in shelters. It can be easily modified to meet local needs.
Posted: September 8, 2008
At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza:
Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Health Departments.
ASTHO has released the At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza: Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Health Departments. This guidance is the product of nearly a year spent reviewing relevant publications and plans, assembling subject matter expert work groups, and convening public and stakeholder engagement meetings to provide key input during the drafting process.
Under a cooperative agreement with CDC, ASTHO was asked to develop model guidance on the protection of at-risk populations in an influenza pandemic; it is ASTHO’s hope that the culmination of this important project will assist public health officials in their pandemic influenza planning efforts.
ASTHO will conduct implementation activities over the course of the next several months. In August, we will hold the first of three regional meetings (for HHS Regions I, II, III, and V), and the first of two Webinars. These activities will introduce the guidance to public health officials and assist them in learning how best to use it in their jurisdictions. You will receive additional information about these activities in the coming weeks.
The document can be found under “At-Risk Populations Project” at www.astho.org. If you need assistance accessing the document, please contact Caroline Barnhill at cbarnhill@astho.org or 571-527-3174. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Anna DeBlois Buchanan (abuchanan@astho.org) or Caroline Barnhill.
Posted July 9, 2008
PanFlu Template for Schools
Download the "Action Kit for Schools". Two Rivers Public Health Department has a comprehensive template for schools to use when doing their PanFlu Planning. http://www.tworiverspublichealth.com/PandemicInfluenza.htm
Tabletop exercises for pandemic influenza preparedness in local public health agencies Available at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/states/tr319.html.
Isolation and Quarantine Toolkit
The Planning & Managing for Isolation & Quarantine Toolkit is available online from the Seattle/King County Advanced Practice Center. The Toolkit is available online at: http://www.isolationandquarantine.com
Public Health Emergency Exercise Toolkit Guide
This HSEEP-consistent exercise toolkit is a guide for local public health agency staff members who develop, implement, and evaluate emergency drills/exercises. It is also useful when facilitating public health aspects of multi-agency emergency exercises.
Local Health Department Pandemic Influenza Guide AVAILABLE AT: http://www.naccho.org/topics/infectious/influenza/LHDPanFluGuide.cfm
Pandemic Flu Morbidity and Mortality Projection Tools
CDC FluSurge program (MS Excel spreadsheet) Download the spreadsheet at this site, then open the file on your computer. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/flusurge.htm
CDC's FluAid insert the population demographics for an area. http://www2.cdc.gov/od/fluaid/about.htm
U.S. Census Bureau - look up by city, county, state, etc. http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en
The Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a great resource to have in your office. It is available in hard copy for free by calling 240-629-3161 and on the web at http://www.hhs.gov/emergency/mediaguide/PDF/
The Spanish version of CDC's Public Health Emergency Response Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Public Health Directors has been finalized and can now be accessed on the CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Spanish Web site at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/espanol/responseguide.asp.
Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for the Media
“Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for the Media” is posted on the HHS website at http://www.hhs.gov/emergency/mediaguide/PDF/
Employer Toolkit - Terrorism Preparedness & Response: A Public/Private Partnership
The National Business Group on Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has recently released Employer Toolkit - Terrorism Preparedness & Response: A Public/Private Partnership. This toolkit contains resource information to help employers work collaboratively with public health agencies on various types of public health emergencies, from disease outbreaks to bioterrorism. The specific link for the toolkit is http://www.businessgrouphealth.org/prevention/cdc_bioterrorism.cfm. More information can also be accessed at http://www.businessgrouphealth.org.
MASS CASUALTIES
CDC's webpage provides information on such topics as coping with a traumatic event, rapid assessment of injuries, explosion and blast injuries (a primer for physicians), possible research studies, and injuries and mass trauma fact sheets. www.bt.cdc.gov/masscasualties/
PLAGUE TRAINING MODULE
This web-based module is designed to teach the natural epidemiology of plague and how to manage it as both a natural disease and an intentional attack. The content is presented in a series of eight lessons to be completed in the order that they appear. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/trainingmodule
LINKS to Biopreparedness Sites
Health Alert Network - Nebraska's site for bioterrorism preparedness.
CDC's Public Health Preparedness and Response page.
CDC PSAs and Podcasts provide timely messages about what you can do to protect yourself and your family during a natural disaster. http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/psa/?s_cid=ccu060208_PSAs_e
Pregnancy and newborn infants Disaster Preparation
The needs of families with newborns during a disaster are unique. You still need to follow any evacuation and preparation instructions given by your local health department, emergency manager or state, but here are some special things to consider. During Your Pregnancy: Prepare for disasters: Special information for families with infants or anyone caring for a newborn
OSHA just released a new pan flu guidance on preparing workplaces for panflu. Here's the link:
The 'Get Ready' Campaign, sponsored by the American Public Health Association, provides information, resources and tools so that all individuals, families and communities in the United States are more prepared for a potential influenza pandemic, outbreak of an emerging infectious disease or other hazard or disaster.
http://www.ncdp.mailman.columbia.edu/bep/index.html is the web address of a one hour on-line training course for public health workers in emergency preparedness from Columbia University. It was recommended by Dr. Christine Gebbie during her Nebraska visit and is a great orientation piece for new public health workers.
Mass Dispensing Sites - A Primer for Volunteers
This link is for the online primer entitled: Mass Dispensing Sites - A Primer for Volunteers that was developed by the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Preparedness. http://cpheo1.sph.umn.edu/massdisp/index.html
PESTICIDE UPDATE FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
In cooperation with the Nebraska Health and Human Services System, Department of Regulation and Licensure, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Program has an Internet web site to host Health Alert Network updates related to pesticides and human health. The information and documents hosted on this site are intended for health care professionals such as first responders, rural clinicians, emergency room personnel, and general practitioners. The information placed on this web site will deal exclusively with the impact of pesticides on human health, and could include symptom diagnosis, toxicology, clinical studies, or real life situations of concern.
The address for the web site is: http://www.agr.ne.gov/division/bpi/pes/human_health.htm.
Nebraska's Water System Information can be reached via HHSS website - Department of Regulation and Licensure
The Emergency Management Institute Launches New Online Course
The Emergency Management Institute has launched a new online Independent Study Course, IS 700 National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction. The interactive web-based course is available through the National Emergency Training Center Virtual Campus.To access the course visit: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700.asp
Pandemic Influenza Response and Preparedness Plan
Department of Health and Human Services
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Mid America Alliance is to provide a framework for mutual assistance among states during a situation that stresses one individual state’s resources but does not initiate a governor declared state of emergency. Composed of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming; the Mid America Alliance will establish a system by which neighboring states can share services, resources, and information to efficiently address the needs of citizens during a public health emergency.
LABORATORY RESPONSE NETWORK (LRN)
Facts about the LRN
UPDATED information on LRN structure for chemical terrorism. Currently, 62 state, territorial and metropolitan public health laboratories are members of the chemical component of the network. A designation of level 1, 2, or 3 defines network participation, and each level builds upon the preceding level. Click on the link for more information:
Department of Homeland Security Releases NIMS Document
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Incident Management System document, outlines the principal components of the system and establishes mechanisms for further development and refinement of supporting national standards, guidelines, protocols, systems, and technologies.
To download the NIMS document: http://www.eteam.com/newsletter/VII/NIMS_Document.pdf
For more information on HSPD-5: http://www.eteam.com/newsletter/VII/HSPD_5.pdf
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE (EPR) WEBSITE
New Expanded Spanish EPR Site
CDC has expanded its version of the Spanish EPR site. The new site is organized and structured the same as the English version, and will make it easier for Spanish speakers to find emergency preparedness information.
Medical Examiners, Coroners, and Biologic Terrorism
A Guidebook for Surveillance and Case Management
CITIES READINESS INITIATIVE (CRI)
Provides information on the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI), which is a pilot program to aid cities in increasing their capacity to deliver medicines and medical supplies during a large-scale public health emergency such as a bioterrorism attack or a nuclear accident.
Drinking Water Contamination Threats and Incidents: EPA's Overview of the Response Protocol Toolbox (EPA-817-D-03-007)
EPA has announced the release of Modules 5 and 6 of the interim final Response Protocol Toolbox: Planning for and Responding to Drinking Water Contamination Threats and Incidents (the Response Protocol Toolbox). Module 5 addresses the public health response to a credible contamination threat or confirmed incident, while Module 6 addresses remediation and recovery of a contaminated drinking water system. Modules 1 through 4 were released in December of 2003 and address response planning, threat management, site characterization and sampling, and laboratory analysis. The titles of the modules in the Response Protocol Toolbox are as follows:
* Water Utility Planning Guide - Module 1 (EPA-817-D-03-001)
* Contamination Threat Management Guide - Module 2 (EPA-817-D-03-002)
* Site Characterization and Sampling Guide - Module 3 (EPA-817-D-03-003)
* Analytical Guide - Module 4 (EPA-817-D-03-004)
* Public Health Response Guide - Module 5 (EPA-817-D-03-005)
* Remediation and Recovery Guide - Module 6 (EPA-817-D-03-006)
The Response Protocol Toolbox modules can be found in electronic PDF format on the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/ under Emergency Response Tools.
Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Water Systems
This document provides community water systems (CWSs) serving a population between 3,301 and 99,999 guidance on developing or revising Emergency Response Plans (ERPs). This http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/index.html.Guidance can be found in electronic PDF format on the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/ under Emergency Response Tools.
If additional information is needed, please call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
View a series of three short videos on Mental Health and Terrorism.
Monitoring diseases worldwide
Weekly MMWR Report
Bioterrorism Sites
Nebraska Center for Bioterrorism Education
Link to www.necenterforbted.org
Select any link from the home page to get to the menu where you can select additional pages such as:
Nebraska Bioterrorism Sites at
More Bioterrorism Sites at
Discipline Specific Sites at
Health Alert Network - Nebraska's site for bioterrorism preparedness.
CDC's Public Health Preparedness and Response page.
Can't Open it???
Some of the documents on PHAN's website require Adobe Acrobat or PowerPoint software. You can download FREE Readers for this software so you will be able to view the documents.