A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. Biological agents can be spread through the air, through water, or in food. Terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread from person to person and some, like anthrax, can not. For more information on bioterrorism facts, visit CDC at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/. More information can be found at http\\:health.state.ga.us/programs/emergprep/bioterrorism.asp|
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Being prepared is he best defense for responding to a disaster. The following brochures provide tips for what you can do now in order to be prepared for a future event. Print them for easy reference. Make sure you share them with family and friends.
BIRD FLU Avian (or bird) flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. H5N1 is highly pathogenic, deadly to domestic fowl, and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
PANDEMIC FLU A pandemic Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.
It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it.
Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 virus across eastern Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health. The H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic because:
It is especially virulent
It is being spread by migratory birds
It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans, and
Like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve.
The more you know the more you can prepare. Most natural disasters may require the same preparation, however, bioterrorist threats may require different methods of action.
Start Preparing Now
Be prepared by using what you have or purchasing items to live on for at least three (3) days. You may want comfort, but think first about food, fresh water, clean air, and ways to get information.
Basics you should stock for your home: All supplies should be kept in unbreakable, waterproof packaging. Keep these items in an easy to carry container in the event you have to evacuate.
Bottled Water (1gallon per person per day)
Canned Foods and a Manual Can Opener
Flash Light
Battery Operated Radio
Extra Batteries and Tools
First Aid Supplies
Baby Wipes (to keep clean)
Bedding and a Change of Clothing
Prescription Medications
Contact Lens Supplies
Remain Calm
The main goal of terrorists is to disrupt lives and cause terror and anxiety in our communities. The best response to terrorism is to continue our normal lives of work, school, play, shopping, worship and socializing.
If disaster strikes, remain calm and be patient. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR YOUR FAMILY
It is important to have a family emergency plan in place before disaster strikes. To prepare your plan, choose:
Temporary accommodations, such as a friend’s place or hotel, where you can stay for a few days in case you are evacuated. This may also be where you decide to meet if you are separated during a disaster. When choosing your shelter, remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked. Don’t forget to plan for your pets - they are not always welcome in emergency shelters or hotels.
Enter your out-of-area contact and temporary accommodation information on a family emergency plan form. Give a copy to each member of your family, your out-of-area contact, and your child’s school. For further reading please view our brochure: Emergency Planning for Your Family.
An out-of-area contact, someone each member of the family can call or e-mail in case of an emergency. This person can help family members stay in touch and get together if they are separated. Be sure to pick someone who is far enough away so as not to be affected by the same situation.
Call 1.800.BE READY (1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure and visit www.ready.govto learn more about how you can get prepared.
SAFETY TIPS FOR WEATHER RELATED OCCURRENCES
The more you know about the weather related safety issues the more you can prepare. Most natural disasters may require some amount of advanced preparation preparation
Make a Plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you contact one another? Select an out-of-state friend or relative who will more likely be in an unaffected location and in a better position to communicate between separated loved ones. Talk to your neighbors about developing a neighborhood communications plan.
There may be times when you will be instructed to stay in your home. You must then “shelter-in-place”. Choose one interior room with the least number of windows and doors. Pre-cut and label plastic sheeting to seal around all openings. To help keep out harmful fumes, use duct tape to secure sheets in place
Office of Emergency Preparedness operates two volunteer programs, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the Fulton County Emergency Volunteer Corps (EVC).
MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS
The Mission of the Fulton County Medical Reserve Corps (FCMRC) is to strengthen our communities by establishing a system for medical volunteers to offer their expertise throughout the year, as well as during times of community need. This is a community-based, volunteer unit supplementing existing local emergency and public health resources. FCMRC volunteers also offer education and prevention services to improve the health and well-being of our communities.
During an emergency, FCMRC volunteers might be called on to fulfill many of several functions such as: medical evaluation; patient education; triage, vaccination or distribution of medication. Volunteers may also be called on to provide assistance during community based emergency drills as a part of their training.
To join the FCMRC, you will need to complete an application and provide proof of medical certification. For more information please use fill out the request form on the back of the FCMRC Brochure. You will need Adobe Acrobat 8 or above to fill this form and email it back to us.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for developing and implementing plans to dispense the appropriate medication to citizens in the event of a bio-terrorist attack or natural disaster. These plans include establishing Points of Dispensing (PODs) throughout the County in locations that will be convenient for all communities and ensure adequate, trained personnel and volunteers are ready to respond to an emergency.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Office of Emergency Preparedness conducts emergency drills throughout the year to test readiness response. These drills are very important in that they provide opportunities to test specific aspects of response operations. For instance, they allow us to test our tactical communications efforts or our ability to establish medication dispensing facilities. Emergency drills and exercise are held annually to test the level of readiness.
ANTHRAX Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. A bacterium is a very small organism made up of one cell. Many bacteria can cause disease. A spore is a cell that is dormant (asleep) but may come to life with the right conditions. There are three types of anthrax: skin (cutaneous); lungs (inhalation); and digestive (gastrointestinal). Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another.
Humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like wool, for example). People also can become infected with gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.
Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened in the United States in 2001. Anthrax was deliberately spread through the postal system by sending letters with powder containing anthrax. This caused 22 cases of anthrax infection.
The symptoms (warning signs) of anthrax are different depending on the type of disease:
Cutaneous: The first symptom is a small sore that develops into a blister. The blister then develops into a skin ulcer with a black area in the center. The sore, blister and ulcer do not hurt.
Gastrointestinal: The first symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and fever, followed by bad stomach pain.
Inhalation: The first symptoms of inhalation anthrax are like cold or flu symptoms and can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. (Caution: Do not assume that just because a person has cold or flu symptoms that they have inhalation anthrax.)
Anthrax symptoms can appear within 7 days of coming into contact with bacterium for all three types of anthrax. For inhalation anthrax, symptoms can appear within a week or can take up to 42 days to appear.
Antibiotics are used to treat all three types of anthrax. Early identification and treatment are important.
If you are showing symptoms of anthrax infection, call your health care provider or local health department right away.
All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice. For more information please call 404-730-1211 (voice). Mailing address: ATTN: Public Information, Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303. Because of confidentiality concerns, questions regarding client health issues cannot be responded to by e-mail. For more information, contact the Privacy Officer at 404-730-1212.
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