Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
ABOUT US:
The Albany County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program works daily to protect the health of the public in the event of an emergency. Public Health conducts planning and training to ensure effective, quick and coordinated response and recover from public health emergencies. These emergencies include epidemics or disease outbreaks (such as Influenza or West Nile Virus), natural disasters (such as wild fires, flooding or severe weather) and biological and radiological events.
OUR PARTNERS:
Albany County Public Health works closely with the Wyoming Department of Health, Preparedness and Response Unit, the County Emergency Manager and other County Agencies, the school district as well as community partnersthat include local health care providers, health care facilities, non-profits, long term care facilities and volunteer organizations.
General Planning Resources
STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES:
Wyoming Department of Health Preparedness and Response Unit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Emergency Preparedness and Response
FAMILY AND PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS:
It may be several days before responders can address the non-life threatening safety needs of the public following an incident. The State of Wyoming recommends to prepare for you, your family and pets’ needs for 96hours (4 days) after a disaster. The State of Wyoming also recommends the following:
- Make a family communication and preparedness plan. Resources can be found at Ready.
- Create an emergency supply kit that includes sufficient enough food, water, medications and warm clothing for your family and be sure to include pets.
- Inform others of your plan and PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!
- Individuals with disabilities require special considerations in a disaster. Please click here for more information on assistance for more information on assistance for planning for individuals with disabilities.
- Resources for planning for pets in an emergency or disaster.
MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS, ALBANY COUNTY:
The Medical Reserve Corps for Albany County (ACMRC) is a group of volunteers (medical and non-medical) who are trained to help Albany CountyPublic Health during a public health emergency. The ACMRC is also designed to help other agencies during a disaster.
If you are interested in more information or joining the ACMRC please call contact Albany County Public Health.
Environmental Health
RESCOURCES:
Water Testing
Albany County Public Health does not test water samples. We are able to facilitate water testing at the Wyoming Department of Public Health Laboratory. Please see the Wyoming Department of Public Health Laboratory for more details.
Radon
Radon kits can be obtained online through the Wyoming Department of Health’s Radon program.
Mold
Currently Albany County Public Health does not test nor clean up mold. Please see the below links for information regarding mold cleaning, prevention, health concerns, and basic facts.
More mold information can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency‘s page.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Mold Web site provides information on mold and health, an inventory of state indoor air quality programs, advice on assessment, cleanup efforts, and prevention of mold growth.
This CDC page offers facts about Stachybotrys chartarum.
For basic facts on mold concerns, visit the CDC FAQ’s page.
Carbon Monoxide
For general information on carbon monoxide, visit the CDC’s page on the basics for preparation.
Bedbugs
TOOLS AND GUIDANCE:
Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)– information to help states, communities, and consumers prevent and control bed bug infestations
Bed Bugs: FAQs – CDC answers to frequently asked questions about bed bugs
Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs (National Pest Management Association)- guidelines developed by industry professionals, regulators, academics, and entomologists
Bugs: Pictorial Keys to Some Species that May Bite Man – drawings of bugs (including bed bugs) from CDC’s historical Pictorial Keys to Arthropods, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals of Public Health Significance
Understanding and Controlling Bed Bugs-(National Pesticide Information Center) – science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use
