FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2005
For additional information contact:
Amy Morris, Community Relations Coordinator
616.632.7110
September is National Preparedness Month
(Grand Rapids, MI)—The Kent County Health Department recognizes September 2005 as the Second Annual National Preparedness Month.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Throughout the month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, American Red Cross and National Preparedness Month Coalition Members will ask all Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for emergencies including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about different threats and getting involved in preparing their communities.
The Kent County Health Department offers the following Emergency Preparedness Presentations, free of charge, to neighborhood groups, service organizations, churches, businesses and the groups of 10 or more:
- Tips and Tools for Emergency Preparedness- Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere leaving you with very little time to plan or respond. The key to coping is being informed, aware and prepared. Tips and Tools for Emergency Preparedness discusses the importance of having a family communication plan, things to consider when deciding whether to evacuate your home and what items every disaster supply kit should have.
- The Role of Public Health in Emergency Preparedness- Public health plays an integral part in response to community disasters. Yet many are unaware of the role public health plays in these situations. This presentation reviews seven broad roles public health has in emergency preparedness and response.
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Emergencies: What You Need to Know- Each potential threat has its own unique characteristics that will influence the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning to learn about these threats, you are preparing yourself to react. This presentation discusses what to expect and how to respond in each situation.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact Sharon Schmidt, Health Educator, at the Kent County Health Department at (616) 632-7125. For more information on National Preparedness Month visit http://www.ready.gov/npm/index.htm
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The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has been in the business of providing health services to the whole of Kent County since 1931. It is made up of four divisions: Administration, Community Clinical Services, Community Nursing and Environmental Health. The Health Department is home to nearly 325 employees including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, public health administrators and the Kent County Animal Shelter. KCHD operates five satellite clinics located in Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Sheldon Complex, and the Westside of Grand Rapids. To learn more about our services visit www.accesskent.com/health
