Storm footage courtesy of NBC12 and Raycom Media. |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that this year's hurricane season from June 1 through November 30 will be above normal. Since we can't predict when and if a hurricane or tropical storm will affect you and your family, I encourage you to take steps to prepare for severe weather and review your family's emergency plan. Please take a moment to review the information on our hurricane Web page, which offers information on how best you can secure your family, home and pets should we end up in the path of a storm.
Karen Remley, M.D., MBA
Commissioner
Are You And Your Family Ready?
How To Get Ready
Plan Ahead For Your Pet
Hurricane-Related Links and Information
Our mission is to effectively respond to any emergency impacting public health through preparation, collaboration, education and rapid intervention. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs involve state, regional and local emergency response partners working together to enhance readiness to respond to bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Funding to support these efforts is provided through grants from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Health Resources Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths,and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the Commonwealth. more>> |