Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Disaster Preparedness & Response

The Disaster Preparedness and Response Program staff fields questions on a regular basis. We have tried to compile a few frequently asked questions and the answers here. As always, if you have particular questions, feel free to contact us.

• Frequently Asked Questions on Bioterrorism.

1. What type of help does the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) offer during disasters?
   
   As a core member of Ohio’s Emergency Management Team, we are in the State Emergency Operations Center at the Ohio Emergency Management Agency on serious incidents, whether natural or manmade. We offer health expertise to your coordination effort. If the local health department’s disaster plan is functional, ODH is able to assist you much quicker in finding the needed resources.
    
2. Where can I get a copy of the Flood Manual?
   
   You can download the Acrobat PDF file from this web site or order one directly from the Disaster Preparedness Program. Additionally the Acrobat Reader is available from our site or directly from Adobe. There is no charge for the reader.
    
3. During a disaster, we in the local health departments don't always know where we fit in. How can we be more proactive?
   
   Attend or send a representative to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings. Local health departments should become members of the emergency management team.
    
4. What is an ERC?
   
   ERC stands for Emergency Response Coordinator. This is the person in each local health department who is charged with making the disaster plan work. This person is the local link to the state of Ohio during emergencies on health related matters.
    
5. What numbers should be recorded as our emergency contact?
   
   ODH numbers that you should record are the infectious disease hot line 614-630-8531 and the DPRP number (614)466-5599.
    
6. Why does a health department need a 24-hour, 7 day a week number?
   
   Unfortunately, health emergencies occur at any hour on any day. The State of Ohio will coordinate alerts on a health emergency but the local health department is the first responder in a health emergency. In addition, OAC 3701-3-05 demands a mechanism for immediate reporting of Class A-1 diseases.
    
7. What is a public health emergency?
   
   A Public Health Emergency will be defined as any event or situation demanding immediate action on the part of the public health system in order to prevent disease and injury and /or maintain public health within the community of service.
    
8. How do I contact the ODH DPRP?
   
   From 8AM until 4:45 PM we can be contacted at 614-466-5599. We can also be contacted by contacting your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
    

Last Updated: 10/12/01

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