Knox County Tennesee

Knox County Health Department Urges Everyone to "TAKE THE FIRST STEP" During National Public Health Week 2007

As part of the nationwide push during National Public Health Week (April 2-8), Knox County Health Department is joining other health agencies to encourage Americans to take action on emergency preparedness. The theme is "Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation's Vulnerable Populations." Despite growing threats and a host of awareness campaigns, Americans remain largely unprepared for public health emergencies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other recent events. A September 2006 poll conducted by Marist College Institute for Public Opinion noted that only 31 percent of Americans have any emergency plans in place.

During this year's observance, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is providing vital information for vulnerable members of our population, including mothers with children in the household, hourly-wage workers and those on a fixed income. The information, which will be available at KCHD's Dameron Avenue location and on the Web at http://www.knoxcounty.org/health/emer_prepare/index.php includes:

1. Emergency preparedness for mothers with children in the household
   Mothers, and especially single mothers, face a daunting challenge when it comes to being ready for a disaster. KCHD also will be distributing cards titled "Taking the First Step" to area day care centers and women's clinics to help mothers begin the planning process.
2. American Red Cross' emergency information contact list wallet card
   The emergency contact list, developed by the American Red Cross, is designed to fit into your wallet and allows immediate access to important phone numbers such as doctors, insurance and creditors. Disaster planning experts also recommend that extended families identify one person outside the area who can be the emergency contact for all family members to check in with if local phone lines are down. If families become separated during emergency evacuations, they can stay in touch through the emergency contact they have selected.
3. A disaster supplies and preparedness calendar
   Stockpiling food, water and medications for emergencies can be costly, especially for those with limited resources. That's why KCHD has compiled a special shopping list called the "Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar." This information provides a plan for purchasing emergency supplies over a 6-month period to help spread out the cost.

For more information, contact the Knox County Health department by calling 215-5093 or on the Web at http://www.knoxcounty.org/health/emer_prepare/index.php. The Knox County Health Department is committed to promoting public health practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. The Health Department offers an array of services ranging from medical and dental care, disease control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special programs for women with children and much more.