About Public Health Emergencies
The Jefferson County Health Department works with the
Local Emergency Preparedness Committee to address and anticipate emergency response needs during times of disasters, emergencies, or covert events.
Specific public health emergencies addressed by the Jefferson County Health Department include responses to the health risks occurring during a natural or man-made disaster. These could include:
- Outbreaks of diseases that spread between humans or from animals to humans
- Vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks within Jefferson County
- The presence of flood waters, which might increase the risk of tetanus infection to unprotected persons
- The risk of tetanus infection following a tornado or weather event that creates the need for humans to work with elements that could lead to open injuries / wounds
- The covert release of human toxins that might require distribution of antidotes