For Immediate Release

Date: September 5, 2008

Contact Information:   Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director, Four Corners Health Department; Local (402) 362-2621, Toll Free (877) 337-3573

Emergency Preparedness Starts with You

September is National Preparedness Month

This summer many Nebraskans experienced first hand the devastating affects of tornadoes, high winds and flooding. Some had to rebuild homes while others endured long waits to get their power restored.

These hardships remind everyone how important it is to prepare now, before an emergency strikes. That’s why in September we promote National Preparedness Month and take time to help individuals and families become more self sufficient and better prepared, according to the Four Corners Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“September is a great time for people to get prepared...as they head back to school and work,” said Dr. Joseph M. Acierno, the state’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer.  “Although we can’t stop emergencies and disasters from happening, we can become better prepared to handle them when they do.”

“Emergency preparedness starts with you,” said Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director of the Four Corners Health Department. “Some of the things you can do to prepare—like assembling an emergency supply kit and developing a family communication plan—are useful for all kinds of emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorism.”

 “Over the years Nebraskans have focused a great deal of energy on being prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds,” said Dr. Acierno. “Our state plans outline our responses to disasters and focus on protecting Nebraskans. DHHS also works with local health departments to coordinate preparedness efforts at every level.  Local health departments are doing important work with emergency management, businesses, schools, and local agencies to help communities prepare. National Preparedness Month is a good time to highlight the progress local health departments have made in emergency planning.”

In the past year, the Four Corners Health Department has:

• Responded to the severe storms in May and June by providing tetanus vaccinations to first responders and  communities with information on water testing, flood clean-up and storm safety;
• Tested emergency response plans by participating in 13 local and regional exercises and drills;

• Responded to and investigated an outbreak of illness caused by a food product contaminated with E. coli;
• Provided information, presentations and brochures on emergency preparedness;
• Reviewed and improved local public health  emergency response plans; and
• Participated in county and health  fairs to distribute information about emergency preparedness.

“Even though Nebraska is better equipped and better prepared to respond to emergencies today than ever before, there’s still a lot of work to do to make sure that all of us are prepared,” said Dr. Acierno.

“Each and every Nebraskan needs to take an active role in planning and preparing for emergencies,” said Vicki Duey. “And, we’ll do all we can to help with those efforts.”

To participate in a disaster preparedness challenge and for more information, visit the Four Corners Health Department’s Web site at www.FourCorners.ne.gov, or DHHS’ Web site at www.dhhs.ne.gov/emergency_preparedness. You can also learn more by visiting the Department of Homeland Security’s personal readiness Web site at: www.ready.gov, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at www.cdc.gov, and the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission’s web site at www.serve.nebraska.gov.