to the Allegany County Health Department's Webpage on Public Health
Emergency Information! This webpage will be periodically updated with
information on public health emergency issues. Information will include,
but is not limited to, general information on public health emergencies,
how to prepare before a public health emergency and what to expect
during a public health emergency.
is a public health emergency?
public health emergency can be a natural or manmade disaster. Natural
disasters include events that are caused by nature like floods, tornados,
earthquakes, etc. Another type of natural disaster is disease. Pandemic
flu is a natural event with the potential for a public health disaster
that could affect our area. Federal, state and local governments have
been preparing for a possible pandemic flu outbreak. Currently, an
avian flu virus (H5N1), which affects mainly birds, is present overseas
and may have the potential to evolve into a pandemic flu virus that
affects humans. Much of the information you will see updated on this
page will have to do with pandemic flu.
is a manmade disaster. It is a unique form of terrorism which involves
the use of biological organisms for the sole purpose of spreading
potentially deadly diseases. Bioterrorism is the unlawful or threatened
use of microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to produce
death or disease in humans, animals, or plants. The act is intended
to create fear, inflict injury and/or death, and to intimidate governments
or societies in the pursuit of political, religious, or ideological
goals. Biological organisms such as anthrax, small pox, the plague
or other diseases can be used as weapons for bioterrorists.
does the siren mean?
page will be linked with the community update siren, seen to the left.
Clicking on the siren from the Allegany County Health Department's
website or its community partners' websites will bring you to this
page. During a non-emergency period, the siren will be blue and the
page will contain information on public health issues.
do I get information during a public health emergency?
the siren is red on the Allegany County Health Department website,
it indicates that there is a public health emergency and that important
information to which you should pay attention is posted. This page
will contain the most up-to-date information on the public health
emergency. It will also include advice on measures you should take
to keep you and your family safe.
regarding a public health emergency will also be broadcasted to the
public using the newspaper, television and radio. The red siren will
also appear on any newspaper articles or handouts or postings regarding
a public health emergency.
If you have further questions or would like more information regarding
emergency preparedness, please feel free to call the Office of Public
Health Preparedness at (301) 759-5019
or (301) 759-5239, email us, or visit our website.
Handouts on Pandemic Flu:
Be Prepared! Stay Informed!
Things You Need To Know About Pandemic Flu
Difference Between Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu
to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against Cough Illnesses
for Pandemic Flu at Home
Distancing and Pandemic Flu Terminology
Pandemic Flu Wallet Sized Cards
Resources on Public Health Emergency and Preparedness:
Health Emergency and Preparedness Information
For additional services, visit the Allegany County Health Department website