Disaster Preparedness

The Public Health Preparedness Program (PHPP) coordinates planning and preparedness activities for all-hazards public health emergencies for the Okeechobee County Health Department (OCHD).  Public health emergencies are events or disasters that threaten the health of communities or groups of people.

As the primary field responder under Florida's Emergency Management Plan (Emergency Support Function 8), environmental health staff plays an important role in the recovery phase of most man-made or natural emergencies.  The wide scope of this responsibility encompasses coordinating the response of outside assistance.  A new role for all health departments is as part of the team responding to domestic terrorism.

The PHPP prepares the community to deal with a myriad of public health emergencies, like natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, severe weather such as extreme heat, disease outbreaks such as pandemic flu and biological terrorist attacks, such as an anthrax release.

The PHPP works along side many professionals and volunteers from hospitals, clinics, community private and non-private county organizations/agencies, region and state partners.  Working together prepares us for public health emergencies that can affect the health and safety of out citizens and visitors.

Preparation for a public health emergency is a responsibility of all  citizens of Okeechobee.  We all have to work together to be sure that we are ready for a disaster when it strikes.  Being prepared for a public health emergency is vital so we can emerge from a crisis in good health.

The PHPP website includes our program community initiatives as well as important information related to disaster preparedness and planning.  Our intent is to assist the Okeechobee community to understand the importance of preparing for catastrophic threats to public health.  Stay informed, get involved, and when the next disaster strikes, you will be ready!

Okeechobee Emergency Management