Emergency Preparedness Information

 

Saratoga County Responds To
Biological & Chemical Terrorism

Since September 11, 2001, public concern about the use of biological and chemical agents by terrorists has caused us to become familiar with a new word: Bioterrorism. Even though the intentional use of biological and/or chemical weapons is possible, it is not very likely since these agents are difficult to produce and difficult to disperse effectively.

Public Health personnel, in addition to medical and emergency personnel, are intensively trained to be alert, prepared, ready, and able to respond to these potential threats. Public Health emergency Preparedness is in place and is constantly being strengthened to assure our ability to deal with emerging infectious diseases, as well as chemical attacks. The Public Health System - Federal, state and local - works jointly with numerous other organizations to prepare for such threats.

** See “Related Links” for a thorough explanation of biological and chemical agents that criminals or terrorists may try to use as weapons.

Related Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.bt.cdc.gov
• New York State emergency Management Office (SEMO) - www.semo.state.ny.us/index.cfm  
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - www.fema.gov 
• Web video from the Dept. of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, urging the public to be prepared for any emergency -  www.fema.gov/medialibrary

How prepared is Saratoga County?

• A countywide emergency plan is in place to coordinate police, fire, medical and emergency responses.
• We are conducting regular training exercises to test our emergency preparedness.
• Medical providers are sent educational alerts which will increase awareness and reporting of illness.
• Saratoga Hospital Emergency Departments reports any unusual patterns of illness every 24 hours to Saratoga County Public Health Department.
For additional information, email us at btinfo@saratogacountyny.gov

 

Would you like to volunteer with our emergency preparedness program?

Click here to download the Volunteer Application form.

Special Needs Registry

If you are a County resident or caregiver of an individual with special needs, click here for more information or go to the Special Needs Registry on the Public Health Department page.

Food Safety

Looking for information on food safety during an emergency? 

Download  A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety. 

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