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Homeland Security

A new threat to our freedom is that of bioterrorism. Since 9/11, the response to that threat has reached every corner of our land, including Wyoming. Platte County Public Health works closely with the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, local emergency planning and management agencies and the County Health Officer to build infrastructure and a response system within our county, which will be put into action in the event of a major emergency. With a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Platte County, along with other Wyoming counties, have each hired a Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator. One of the purposes of this position is public education and preparedness. Educating ourselves is one of the most important ways to protect our families. In this way, we can be prepared to respond in case there is an "event".

The Public Health Emergency Response effort includes not only bioterrorism, but also natural disasters. There is always a possibility in our great state of Wyoming, for wildfires, flash floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. These potential threats to individual and public safety could create emergency situations.

The Office of Homeland Security lets the public know the potential threat level of terrorist activity by using a system of color-coding. To get information on what the current threat level is and what is means, visit the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security at:

http://wyohomelandsecurity.state.wy.us/main.aspx

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN CASE OF A PANDEMIC INFLUENZA EMERGENCY?

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR INFORMATION THAT CAN SAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IF AN EMERGENCY EVENT WERE TO OCCUR IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Winter Driving Safety:

What to keep in your car in winter:

cell phone/charger

water (pour some out for freezing expansion)

small sack of kitty litter or sand for traction

sleeping bag/heavy blanket/extra gloves and socks

small shovel

ice scraper/brush

boots

Keep in metal coffee can with lid:

protein bars/nuts/baby food

first aide items/medications

flashlight/batteries

matches/butane BBQ lighter/candle

books or games to minimize boredom and panic

kleenex/toilet paper

Always check the weather before you leave!

1-800-wyoroad (996-7623)

Telephone 522

What Is CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994. CERT's are now established in hundreds of communities in the U.S.
CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. Platte County Public Health has 2 CERT members who have received training in community disaster response. Cherie Wilson, LPN is the Platte County Public Health's Emergency Response coordinator, and is first in command for PCPH. Kathy McGuire, BSN, PCPH manager is also CERT certified, and is second in command for PCPH.
If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the communities professional first responders and CERT members can assist them by applying the basic response and organizational skills they learned during training.

CERT has prepared Platte County Public Health to....

Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect our homes and communities.
Describe the function of CERT and our role in immediate response.
Take steps to prepare ourselves for a disaster.
Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in our homes and workplaces.
Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning liquid.
Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
Conduct triage under simulated conditions.
Perform head-to-toe assessments.
Select and set up a treatment area.
Employ basic treatments for various wounds.
Identify planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.

Would you like to volunteer?

Friends of Public Health is a group in Platte County who volunteer their time helping PCPH with mass immunization drills and other PCPH emergency response activities. In an event, they will be present to help us through organizing, assisting, and conducting a mass immunization clinic. They are also trained in communications and safety management. If you would like to become a Friend of Public Health, call PCPH at the number listed in the contact page of this website.

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF HOW OUR FRIENDS OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAVE HELPED US DURING MASS IMMUNIZATION DRILLS:

Chugwater: Click on picture