Avery Campus
- (828) 733-6031
Mitchell Campus
- (828) 688-2371
Public Health emergencies can occur at any time. Toe River Health and Emergency Management has developed plans for how to protect individuals during emergencies and disasters that could affect our counties. Emergency events can range from natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, to man-made events like fires, terrorist attacks, and technological accidents. Being prepared can help save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and minimize damage to property within the counties that we cover.
Below are outlined the public health emergencies nationally in the year 2023. Thankfully, North Carolina has not faced a public health emergency as an individual state. However, emergency preparedness is still vital.
Words from the Department of Health:
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the authority, as outlined in section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to declare either: a) a public health emergency due to a particular disease or disorder; or b) the existence of a public health emergency, encompassing notable outbreaks of infectious diseases or instances of bioterrorist attacks.
Title | Disaster Type | State/Territory | Signed Date |
---|---|---|---|
Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists As a Result of the Continued Consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic | COVID-19 | National | January 11, 2023 |
Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists As a Result of the Countinued Consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic | COVID-19 | National | February 9, 2023 |
Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists Nationwide as a Result of the Continued Consequences of the Opioid Crisis | Opioid Crisis | National | March 31, 2023 |
Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists Nationwide as a Result of the Continued Consequences of the Opioid Crisis | Opioid Crisis | National | July 7, 2023 |
Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists Nationwide as a Result of the Continued Consequences of the Opioid Crisis | Opioid Crisis | National | September 26, 2023 |
Planning for any emergency requires considering scenarios that could disrupt daily activities, electricity, water and transportation and threaten the health of residents. Be ready before a disaster strikes!
Prevent Illness from FOOD
Prevent Illness from WATER
Weather Related Emergencies
In our mountain counties, ice, snow, flooding, and extreme temperatures are our main weather related emergencies.
Prevent Illness from COLD EXPOSURE (hypothermia)
Shivering is your body’s automatic defense against cold temperature – an attempt to warm itself. Constant shivering is a key sign of hypothermia. Other signs and symptoms include: confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, weak pulse, and shallow breathing. Signs of hypothermia in infants include bright red/cold skin and very low energy.
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Prevent Illness from HEAT EXHAUSTION
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Preventing Injury from THUNDER AND LIGHTNING STORMS
North Carolina ranks third in the nation in number of lightning-related deaths, and fourth in lightning-related injuries.
Warning signs of thunder and lightning storms include darkening skies, flashes of light, increasing wind, or the sound of thunder.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Immediately go to a safe shelter such as a building or hardtop car and keep windows closed.
If you are unable to find shelter quickly, go to an open space and kneel or crouch with hands on knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
If in the woods, find an area protected by a low clump of trees; never stand beneath a single large tree in the open.
Prevent Illness from CARBON MONOXIDE
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Preventing the spread of disease in the community is a core function of your public health department.
For more information click here.
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
A pandemic flu occurs when a new flu virus appears in humans, spreads easily and quickly from person-to-person and causes serious illness. Because the viruses are new, vaccines and other treatments may not be available immediately. Federal, State, and local public health agencies have plans in place to respond quickly to a Pandemic Influenza.
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Acts of Terrorism
The threat of terrorism has become an unfortunate way of life. Terrorism involves violent acts that create fear. Some of the tools available to terrorists include bombs, biological and chemical agents, and nuclear weapons. The Toe River Health District Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan is coordinated with State and Federal Government plans and addresses local response to the threat of terrorism. Many of the same actions required to prepare for winter storms can be applied to how we prepare for acts of terrorism. In addition:
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