Public Health Week Focuses On Emergency Preparedness

San Andreas, CA — Its Public Health Week in the Mother Lode and local health officials are campaigning for emergency preparedness.

The national Public Health Week is observed during the first full week of April and puts the spotlight on one public health issue. This year the issue is preparedness and public health threats.

Calaveras health officials say the county is prone to emergencies such as periodic fires, flooding and more recently, extended heat waves.

That is why having an emergency plan is crucial. Officials say planning allows individuals to meet their basic needs for a few days if a disaster strikes.

County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita says during an emergency is where you don´t want to spend a lot of time thinking about what you need to do.

Health officials are currently planning for the possibility of a worldwide outbreak of influenza, or a flu pandemic.

The Public Health Department has developed a new emergency preparedness card called Calaveras Prepared. It provides information on general and pandemic flu preparedness. The card is being distributed throughout the county and is available at www.co.calaveras.ca.us or by calling (209) 754-6592.

Written by Vanessa Turner.