Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Albany County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program works to protect the public in the event of an emergency. We conduct planning and training to ensure effective, quick, coordinated response and recovery from public health emergencies. Emergencies include:

Epidemics or disease outbreaks (Influenza, West Nile Virus)
Natural disasters (wild fires, flooding, severe weather)
Biological and radiological events

Albany County Public Health works closely with:

the Wyoming Department of Health
the Preparedness Response Unit
the County Emergency Manager
other county agencies the
school district
community partners including:
- local healthcare providers
- healthcare facilities
- non-profit organizations
- long-term care facilities
- volunteer organizations.

General Planning Resources

Family and Personal Preparedness

It may be several days before responders can address the non-life-threatening safety needs of the public following an incident. The State of Wyoming recommends that you prepare for you, your family, and your pets’ needs for 96 hours (4 days) after a disaster. The State of Wyoming also recommends the following:

Make a family communication and preparedness plan. Resources can be found at Ready.
Create an emergency supply kit that includes sufficient food, water, medications and warm clothing for your family and be sure to include pets.
Inform others of your plan and PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!
Individuals with disabilities require special considerations in a disaster. Please click here for more information on assistance for planning for individuals with disabilities.
Resources for planning for pets in an emergency or disaster.

Resources

Environmental Health

Water Testing

Albany County Public Health does not test water samples. We are able to facilitate water testing at the Wyoming Department of Public Health Laboratory. Please see the Wyoming Department of Public Health Laboratory for more details.

Radon

Radon kits can be obtained online through the Wyoming Department of Health’s Radon program.

Mold

Currently Albany County Public Health does not test nor clean up mold. Please see the below links for information regarding mold cleaning, prevention, health concerns, and basic facts.

More mold information can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency‘s page.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Mold Web site provides information on mold and health, an inventory of state indoor air quality programs, advice on assessment, cleanup efforts, and prevention of mold growth.

This CDC page offers facts about Stachybotrys chartarum.

For basic facts on mold concerns, visit the CDC FAQ’s page.

Carbon Monoxide

For general information on carbon monoxide, visit the CDC’s page on the basics for preparation.

Bedbugs

Tools and Guidance

Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)– information to help states, communities, and consumers prevent and control bed bug infestations

Bed Bugs: FAQs – CDC answers to frequently asked questions about bed bugs

Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs (National Pest Management Association)- guidelines developed by industry professionals, regulators, academics, and entomologists

Bugs: Pictorial Keys to Some Species that May Bite Man – drawings of bugs (including bed bugs) from CDC’s historical Pictorial Keys to Arthropods, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals of Public Health Significance

Understanding and Controlling Bed Bugs-(National Pesticide Information Center) – science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use