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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith September is National Preparedness Month Prepare Your Health: Personal Needs September is National Preparedness Month, when all are encouraged to focus on preparing for emergencies, including making plans to protect their health. Be prepared by creating a community. Simple things, such as getting to know your neighbors and finding out who might need help in a disaster, learning practical preparedness skills, and assisting others in an emergency, can help create community. Personal needs include provisions, supplies, and equipment necessary to protect the health and safety of your family in an emergency. There are many reasons to prepare your health for an emergency. They start with your family and friends and extend to your neighbors and community at large. But most Americans do not have supplies set aside or plans in place to protect themselves or their family’s health and safety in the event of a natural disaster, a power outage, or a flu pandemic. The good news is that it is never too late to prepare for a public health emergency. You can take actions, make healthy choices, and download free resources to help you prepare for, adapt to, and cope with adversity. Learn how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies then share what you’ve learned with others to help build more resilient communities. Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Numbers Dr. Johnson’s cell: (760) 914-0496 Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith The Basics • Water • Nonperishable and ready-to-eat food, including special foods—such as nutrition drinks and ready-to-feed formula—for infants, people with dietary restrictions, food sensitivities and allergies, and medical conditions such as diabetes. • Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solution. • Assistive technologies, such as hearing aids and picture boards. • Medical alert identification bracelet or necklace • Health protection supplies, including insect repellent, water purification tablets, and sunscreen. • A change of clothes • Medical equipment, including: o Canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs o Nebulizers o Oxygen equipment o Blood sugar monitors • Medical supplies, including: o Antibacterial wipes o Catheters o Syringes o Nasal cannulas o Blood test strips • First aid supplies, including: o First aid o Non-latex gloves o Digital thermometer o Waterproof bandages and gauze o Tweezers and scissors o A Stop the Bleed kit, including a tourniquet • Sanitation and hygiene items, including: o Soap o Hand sanitizer o Sanitizing wipes o Garbage bags and plastic ties o Toilet paper o Feminine hygiene supplies • Pet supplies • Childcare supplies • Baby supplies ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Quick Tips • Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Pack emergency supplies in a portable and durable container(s), such as plastic bin, duffle bag, backpack, a trash can with a lid, and/or carry-on luggage. • Shop for canned (not jarred) foods. Undamaged, commercially-prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved if you remove the labels, thoroughly wash the cans, rinse them, and then disinfect them with a sanitizing solution of 1 cup (8 oz/240 mL) of unscented household chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of clean water. • Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Store more water for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for people who are sick. • Update your supplies every six months. Remove, use, and replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies before they expire. • Kids like to help. Use Ready Wrigley checklists and activity books to help explain emergency preparedness to children and involve them in gathering supplies. Resources • Family Emergency Kit Checklist • Emergency Preparedness: Including People with Disabilities • Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids and Families • Emergency Kit Checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs • Pet Disaster Kit Checklist • Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency