Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Our Focus
The health and safety of the citizens of San Benito County is our primary concerns. Emergency Preparedness focuses on preparedness and response activities related to the health impact of any emergency in the county.
Our Mission
The San Benito County Public Health Services Emergency Preparedness division’s goal is to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies and be prepared to manage public health emergencies resulting from natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies terrorist attacks, and outbreaks of pandemics, etc.
How Emergency Preparedness Works
We work in collaboration with many local, state, and federal partners, including the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services to coordinate resources and ensure response to public needs in an emergency. We also collaborate with the wider community on multiple preparedness and response activities through presentations, trainings, drills, and exercises with health care providers/facilities, community-based organizations (CBO), and local governments. We accomplish these primarily through funding of our Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), as well as other grants provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Monterey-San Benito Healthcare Preparedness Coalition
The HCC San Benito Chapter partners with Monterey County HCC Chapter to form the Monterey-San Benito Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (MSBHPC). This collaborative effort between the counties of Monterey and San Benito expands the capacity of assistance to each other in the event of an emergency. Being prepared for emergencies is essential to get you and your family through the initial hours/days after a disaster occurs and before help arrives. Follow these 3 basic steps to help be better prepared for a disaster:
Be Prepared With These 3 Basic Steps:
1. Build an Kit
Assemble enough emergency supplies for at least 3 days.
Include a first aid kit, food & water, prescriptions or over the counter medications, chargers/batteries, pet supplies, diapers and infant formula, etc.
Don’t forget your ID and other important documentation.
Use easy-to-carry bags or bins and consider an emergency kit for each vehicle.
2. Make a Plan
Form an evacuation plan and pick a designated place to meet. Pick a friend to call if you get separated from your family. Account for all family members and report any missing persons to law enforcement personnel. Talk with your family and practice your plan. Read more about school and workplace emergency plans.
3. Be Informed
Listen to your local news stations via radio or tv. Have a battery-operated radio on hand. Follow instructions given by emergency officials. If you can’t immediately follow the directions given, take shelter and/or notify emergency services of any assistance you need.
