We will discuss the…

• Role of Public Health in an Emergency• Role of a Community Partner (VIP) • Benefits of Creating a Partnership

Role of Public Health During an Emergency

• Prevent – Illnesses – Injuries – Death

• Promote health• Inform the public

Informing the Publicabout Health Threats

• Disease outbreaks• Terrorist attacks• Natural disasters• Environmental accidents• Mass casualties

During An Emergency . . .

• Emotions run high– Fear, anxiety, confusion, dread.– Hopelessness or helplessness– Fight or flight

• Information is processed differently– Decision-making is not clear

• Manage feelings by being informed

As a Volunteer In Preparedness…

You can ensure the health & safety of those you serve through good

communication!

We can’t do it alone…

• Public Health needs help to tell others what to do in an emergency

• Everyone is part of the response in an emergency

HELP US HELP YOU!

You are viewed as…

• A leader• A trusted source of information• A vital link between Public Health

& those you serve

How can I help? • Receive “Public Health Alerts” &

instructions• Share information with others:

- Flyers, announcements, website,phone, fax, email, etc…

• Aid those with special needs• Help to control rumors

As a Volunteer In Preparedness…

• Receive official alerts• Be part of a registry• Have direct contact to share

information with Public Health

How can I get ready?

• Participate in training exercises- Practice sharing information- Discover the best ways to relay messages to those you serve

Benefits to You and Those You Serve

• Provide leadership as a trusted community resource

• Receive the most current information• Provide urgent instructions to those you

serve• Help people with special needs• Reduce panic, fear and confusion• Participate in training exercises

Become a Community Partner and be a Volunteer In

Preparedness

Register and Join Now!

Partnering to Protect our Communities!

Contact Information

Preparedness & Response Program

Department of Public HealthCounty of San Bernardino

909-387-6280800-782-4264

Useful Websites:

• www.sbcounty.gov/pubhlth/prepandresponse

• www.ready.gov• www.pandemicflu.gov

Thank You