Emergency Preparedness is dedicated to promoting a state of readiness and prompt response to protect the health of the citizens of Ingham County during a public health emergency/disaster, including natural, technological, and terrorist events.

We accomplish our mission by:

• Developing, exercising, and evaluating our emergency response plans in coordination with local and state community partners
• Promoting a sense of personal responsibility in preparedness
• Planning for special populations (disabled, non-English speaking, elderly, etc.) to ensure access to care for all Ingham County residents

What You Can Do to Prepare for an Emergency

1) Make your family emergency plan.

a. Get your team together. (Your team may include your household members, extended family, friends, neighbors, caregivers, family doctor, etc.
anyone who may have some responsibility, as noted in your plan, or knowledge of information you may need to include in your plan).
b. Determine what emergencies are most likely to occur in your area.
c. Assess your needs.
d. Create a written plan.
e. Regularly review, test, and modify the plan (and repeat).

 Choose two places to meet

• Outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire
• Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home

Develop a Family Communication Plan

• Include phone numbers for:
• Household members' cell phones
• Places of work
• School or Day Care
• An out of town contact to check in with if you are separated from your family

2) Build and customize an emergency supply kit.

Each person’s kit is going to be a little different. Take into consideration your unique needs (kids, pets, medical needs, etc.). Put together a minimum three day supply of food, water, and other essential items for your household.

3) Be connected.

Personal preparedness is like team sports-you can’t and shouldn’t do it alone. Connect with your support team (extended family members, friends, relatives, caregivers, etc.), as well as local emergency management and first responders. Volunteers may also be needed during an emergency. If you would like to volunteer, visit these sites to find out how you can help:

a) Michigan Volunteer Registry
b) American Red Cross
c) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)