Emergency Preparedness

Washington County Public Health's Emergency Preparedness nurse works with Washington County Department of Public Safety, New York State Department of Health and community partners to maintain all hazard readiness for the county.

Preparedness Drills

These exercises were developed according to national guidance and principles outlined by the Homeland Security Exercise Program (HSEEP). It is important that Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs tailor their exercises to reflect realistic events that may impact their community.

The scenario, objectives, and events can be modified based on what our CERT program is likely to respond to and what our program needs to test or practice. 

Washington County Public Health uses our Staff and Volunteers to practice these scenarios.  

These Drills helped prepare Public Health for the COVID-19 Pandemic Response.

If you would like to become a Volunteer, visit https://apps.health.ny.gov/pub/servny/ 

Click Below for PDF of Brochure

Fema Prepare Brochure

Click Image to go to ServNY volunteer registration page

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Preparedness Planning

There are many reasons to prepare your health for an emergency.  Most Americans do not have supplies set aside or plans in place to protect their own or their family’s health and safety. 

It is never too late to prepare for an emergency. You can take actions, make healthy choices, and find resources to help you prepare.

Learn how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies then share what you’ve learned with others to help build more resilient communities.

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/prepareyourhealth/ or https://www.ready.gov/ 

Click on Image to go to Ready.gov

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Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans

A unique instructional video containing information specific to Older Americans and tips on how to prepare for emergency situations.

For more preparedness tips for seniors visit: https://www.ready.gov/seniors 

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

How might a disaster affect you? Could you make it on your own for at least three days? After a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore, so it’s crucial to plan for the resources you use regularly, and what you would do if those resources are limited or not available. For additional planning steps visit: https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

Washington County Aging and Disability Resource Center Special Needs Registry

Do you have a special need that would require you to need assistance in an emergency? Do you require special assistance with transportation, meal preparation, medications, oxygen or have any mobility issues? Do you have a service animal?

These special needs should be considered in advance when planning for an emergency. Don’t wait until an event occurs to find help.

If you feel you would need special assistance in the event of a severe weather, prolonged power outage, flooding or evacuation and live in Washington County, please download and complete the form here for people with special needs and return it via mail to the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center to be included in our special needs registry. Call their office at (518)746-2420.  Special Needs Registry PDF

Visit their page for even more info: ADRC Emergency-Planning Page

We Prepare Every Day PSA: 

 A 2-minute video brought to you by the Ready Campaign and Ad Council showing people with disabilities taking charge to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies.  

Click Image to go to Brochure

Prepare Seniors Brochure



Click image to go to Brochure

Prepare People with Disabilitites Brochure

Make a Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. 

Learn more at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Click image to get PDF of Family Communication Plan

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Building your Emergency Preparedness Kit

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. 

Learn more about building your own kit: Ready.gov Build Kit

FEMA Video: Preparing Makes Sense For Pet Owners

A unique instructional video containing information for pet owners and suggestions for proactive pet emergency preparedness.

Click Image Below to go to Ready.gov Build a Kit

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Click Image Below to go to Brochure

Prepare Pet owners brochure

Financial Preparedness

Taking the time now to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, will ensure that you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay.   For more information visit: https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness

Washington County Office for Aging and Disabilities Resources is a designated site to have personal documents scanned and placed on a thumb drive that is given back to the individual. To make an appointment to have your documents scanned, free of charge, contact their office at (518)746-2420.

Scan Your Emergency Documents

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