Columbus Public Health is responsible for the long-term continuing health protection for residents in the cities of Columbus and Worthington. The Office of Emergency Preparedness serves Columbus Public Health by strengthening its workforce and the community's ability to successfully prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from health emergencies.

Education

• Educate residents on prevention, protection and recovery from public health threats and hazards through Ready in 3
• Provide information and warning to individuals, agencies and businesses regarding emergency situations
• Engage core partners through public information campaigns

Planning and Training

• Create response plans outlining specific response and recovery procedures and responsibilities
• Coordinate planning efforts with local partners from law enforcement, fire, hospitals, American Red Cross, Franklin County Board of Health and others
• Train staff on how to prepare and respond to public health emergencies

Response

• Assure a rapid response to the health needs of our residents by ensuring a trained and competent workforce
• Ensure community protection through vaccination and anitbiotic administration in response to a public health emergency
• Maintain and enhance interoperable communication and information management systems

Office of Emergency Preparedness 2008 Strategic Plan

How You Can Get Involved

Medical Reserve Corps - Teams of local volunteer medical, public health and other professionals that contribute skills and expertise during times of disaster and public health emergency in addition to ongoing community health promotion

Citizen Emergency Response Team - Teams take an active role in emergency preparedness projects in their communities by assisting neighbors and coworkers following an event in which professional responders are not immediately available to help.

Serve Ohio - Ohio's state agency for community service and volunteerism.

Ready.gov

National public service campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Features information on specific populations and topics:

For Individuals and Families
For Businesses
For Children
For Seniors
Tips for pet owners
People with disabilities and other special needs

Hazard Specific

Information on certain hazards from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

General Emergency Preparedness and Response
Natural Disasters
Radiation Emergencies
Biological Terrorism
Chemical Terrorism
Updates on recent outbreaks and incidents

Local and State Resources

Ohio Department of Health
Franklin County Board of Health
Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Ohio Emergency Management Agency

General Guidance

Evacuation Plan
Evacuate in a Moving Vehicle
Biological Response
Power Outage