Putnam County
Health Department
________
Bioterrorism
Related Websites:
 |
CDC's website at www.bt.cdc.gov |
|
Putnam County Office of Public Safety at www.pcops.org |
|
Ohio Department of Health bioterrorism web page at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/bioterrorism/bioterrorism.aspx |
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Disaster Supply Checklist: Disaster Supply Checklist ETC.pdf |
What is Bioterrorism, and What can I do?
Bioterrorism is the intentional release of harmful bacteria, viruses, or germs. Bioterrorism aims to injure or kill people, cause panic, and disrupt our daily lives.
Family Preparedness Guide: family preparedness.pdf
The most important things you can do are to:
| Be prepared |
| Stay calm |
| Listen for and follow instructions |
There is little that individuals can do in advance to protect themselves from a bioterrorist attack. However, there is much that government agencies, health care facilities, and public health departments are doing to improve our capacity to protect the public following an attack. The Putnam County Health Department is responsible for helping protect the community against outbreaks of infectious disease, whether that disease occurs in nature or because it is released by a terrorist.
While the Putnam County Health Department does not recommend specific bioterrorism-related precautions for the public, we do recommend that families have a disaster plan in place for any event, e.g. flood, tornado, that includes these emergency supplies:
| Three day supply of water |
| Clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags |
| First aid kit including current prescription medications |
| Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries |
| Sanitation supplies |
| Special needs items for infants, older adults, or disabled family members |
Should an emergency event occur, it is important that you listen to the instructions of emergency and public health workers.
CDC Public Response Service and Phone Numbers
As a result of the Anthrax outbreaks following the September terrorist attacks, American Social Health Association and the CDC combined efforts to establish a new call and email center to address the concerns of the American public. The CDC Public Response Service began in October 2001 and provides CDC approved information to the general public about biological and chemical terrorism. The service provides information on anthrax, small pox, botulism and other biological and chemical agents. The service is also available to respond to concerns about other emergency public health issues.
Health Communication Specialists offer clear, concise, up-to-date information and referrals to the public through hotline and email services. The service works with the general public, public health professionals, and emergency response teams. Service is available for English and Spanish speakers and for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 8am - 11pm (ET) and Sat-Sun 10am-8pm (ET).
Toll-free Numbers:
| English 1-888-246-2675 |
| Spanish 1-888246-2857 |
| TYY 1-866-874-2646 |
Email: cdcresponse@ashastd.org
