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Emergency Preparedness
What is Emergency Preparedness?
The events and responses to the September 11, 2001, attacks prompted the implementation of more advanced Emergency Preparedness programs and measures. Today, the Emergency Preparedness division at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health works with local, state and federal programs and entities to ensure safe measures and best practices are being followed prior to an emergency. In the event of an emergency, plans have been created to help a community recover from that emergency more quickly.
The department is trained in, and utilizes, the Incident Command System (ICS), as well as National Incident Management System (NIMS), to provide an efficient and standardized approach to the management of an incident.
SWC Region
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is part of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Division for Southwest Central (SWC) North Dakota. This region also includes Custer Health (serving Morton, Mercer, Oliver, Grant and Sioux Counties), Emmons County Public Health and Kidder County District Health Unit.
Preparedness Presentations
Would a preparedness presentation be useful for your group or organization? Our staff will present an all-hazards approach for individuals in attendance, but can also focus on a number of specific preparedness topics to accommodate your small-to-large group. Click on this link to download our presentation informational form or contact us for more information. These presentations can be as short as 10-15 minutes, or as long as 30-45 minutes.
Preparedness Exercise Assistance
If your SWC healthcare organization is conducting tabletop or full scale preparedness exercises, EPR staff may be available to participate, monitor, or help walk your organization through certain aspects of the exercise(s). Contact SWC Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Crystalynn Kuntz (701-355-1546) for more information.
Please feel free to utilize the following templates for your exercises:
ICS forms are designed to assist emergency response personnel in the use of ICS and corresponding documentation during incident operations.
North Dakota Health Alert Network
The North Dakota Health Alert Network (NDHAN) serves as a communication network among state and local public health agencies, healthcare providers, hospitals and emergency management officials. Established through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NDHAN is part of the North Dakota Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) program. Membership to receive Health Advisories from the N.D. Health Alert Network (NDHAN) is by request only. For more information and/or to sign up for alerts, visit the State Department of Health website.
Additional Resources
- Disaster Planning for Individuals with Special Needs Brochure
- Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities from the American Red Cross