Public Health Emergency Preparedness

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Public Health Emergency Preparedness


Are You Ready?

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year and can occur at any time. The question is, will you and your family be ready when disaster strikes?  There are many things you and your family can do to prepare for a disaster like creating an emergency supplies kit, writing a family preparedness plan and practicing your plan, be informed about what might happen, and get involved in preparing your community.


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Awareness Month

MAY 

Spring Flood


Preparing for a Flood

Know Your Risk for Floods
Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area.  Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Purchase Flood Insurance
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Preparing for a Flood
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

In Case of Emergency
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

 




  • Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
  • Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
  • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
  • Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
  • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

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  • Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Avoid driving except in emergencies.
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 
  • People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.


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PHEP Programs

Helpful Tools

State of Montana Public Health Partners        


Public Health emergencies can arise anywhere. Natural, technological, and human-caused disasters can impact Montana at any time. Public health hazards in Montana may result from communicable disease outbreaks, food and water contamination, chemical spills, wildland fires, and smoke, drought, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, and avalanches.

As part of the DPHHS Communicable Disease Control & Prevention Bureau, Montana's Public Health Emergency Preparedness works to help local and tribal health jurisdictions prepare for and respond to health emergencies, coordinate local surveillance and response systems, and keep Montana citizens informed of any public health-related emergencies.

Federal grant funds strengthen public health and hospital preparedness on a state, regional, and local level throughout Montana, with the majority of funds distributed to local and tribal health partners.

Our Mission Statement: DPHHS Emergency Preparedness program builds, supports, and strengthens resilience in both Montana communities and the Department through leadership and collaborative partnerships to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events that affect the public’s health.

If you have questions regarding the type of planning that this program participates in, please call 406-563-7863