Knowing what to expect during a disaster and the steps to take during an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family. When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.
Richland County Health Department collaborates with six counties in the Southeast Region to plan for Public Health emergencies. The counties include Ransom, Sargent, Trail, Steele, and Cass.
The Emergency Preparedness group focuses on planning, training and conducting training exercises for all public health-related emergencies such as bioterrorism, pandemic flu and natural disasters. They also provide educational materials on preparing for emergencies at home and at work.
Every household’s emergency preparations should include:
- Communication Plan: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance how you will contact one another; how you will get back together, and what you will do in different situations. Fill out a family communications plan.
- Emergency Notifications: Know how to get emergency information from multiple locations and know why the sirens sound.
- Richland County uses an emergency notification system called Everbridge. In order to receive alerts you must sign-up and keep your information up-to-date. Sign up for EVERBRIDGE alerts.
- Emergency Supplies Kit: This kit should include everything your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours. Print an emergency supply kit checklist.
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness program use our Contact us form.