Page 7 - Emergency Protocol Booklet_2020_Singles

Public Health Threat

From the regular seasonal flu, to a potential avian flu pandemic, the
West Nile Virus to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),
health concerns can create panic and cause loss of life.
Public health threats are inevitable. Being prepared for these
threats can save lives and protect the health and safety of the public
and emergency responders. There are many types of “health
threats” to the public; however, some are more prominent in our
area.
Common “Public Health Threats” in the DMV:

• Avian / Influenza “Flu”
• Biological Events
• SARS

• West Nile Virus Protocols

In any event, staff should:
• Follow public announcements as soon as they are announced.

• Contact your immediate supervisor and inform them of the
event and the instructions based on public announcement (i.e.,
cops showed up to your door and said you needed to evacuate
immediately)
• In the event of evacuation, follow protocol for “Evacuation” in
this guide and meet at your “Sister Site”. Communicate with
the appropriate team members.
• If you must shelter in place, again, follow the protocol for
“Shelter In Place” in this guide.
• If driving and unable to get indoors quickly and safely, pull
over to the side of the road. Stop your vehicle in the safest
place possible. Listen to the radio periodically for updated
advice and instructions. Use your mobile device to communi-
cate with your team.