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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Public Health Preparedness

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

We can’t predict which disasters or accidents might happen, but we can get ourselves prepared and keep our families and businesses safe with a disaster plan.

  • Talk with your family and pick a family rally spot.
  • Put together a home disaster kit and plan for evacuations.
  • Update everyone’s contact information, back up your data, photograph your possessions, and copy important papers (wills, trusts, deeds, mortgages, utility and financial statements, etc).

We react more quickly if we think ahead about difficult situations. People who plan ahead for emergencies and have supplies ready will get through disasters and recover more quickly.

 

Helpful Links 

Use these helpful links to help prepare your family, business, children and elders with special needs.

Cover page of ready kit pdf publication

Business Disaster Planning 

A disaster of any size can cause long-term impacts to businesses and the economy. Reduce the impact of disasters by having a business continuity plan in place and help employees get prepared. It’s important to consider how disasters affect employees, customers, and workplaces.

Whole Community Preparedness 

Health, medical, mental health and  public safety join forces for the common cause of making Hernando County safer, healthier, and more resilient. We all share in the responsibility to be prepared, because no should do it alone. FEMA’s Concept of Whole Community involves everyone — businesses, volunteers, neighbors, governments, media and social media, educators, not-for-profits, residents who  are vulnerable to disasters, young  people, and elders. We learn to rely on each other and to understand our strengths and discover places to improve.

Disaster Guide for Day Cares 

Disasters affect thousands of Floridians and children are at extra risk of physical and mental impacts. The Child Care Emergency Response Plan helps child care centers prepare for emergencies, disasters, and accidents. Print the Guide, fill in the forms, train your staff, and practice often!

 Day Care child painting

Communities Working Together for Children 

Health care, schools, and communities are working together to help children feel safe, secure, and resilient. Community resources and school curriculum help the whole community to get prepared, make plans, assemble kits, and stay informed.

Ready Wrigley

Special Needs Program 

Special Needs Facts

In Florida, everyone is vulnerable to severe weather, accidents, and other emergencies. Individuals with special health and medical needs are especially vulnerable. The special needs shelter is under the supervision of a health department registered nurse and is staffed by medical professionals, a consulting physician and volunteers.

  • The Special Needs Program supports people living with physical, mental, or serious medical conditions that require observations, assessment, or maintenance, but who are not ill enough for a hospital.
  • The Special Needs Shelter is voluntary. It is one of many options you have to shelter at home, with neighbors, friends, and relatives, or to evacuate.
  • The shelter provides a safe and secure environment, but does not take the place of a hospital, assisted living facility or long-term care facility.
  • The Special Needs Shelter helps with transportation and shelter during emergencies and disasters.
  • A caregiver should accompany each person who has a medical or health care need.
  • Please bring all of your medical equipment, oxygen, medications, and supplies.

Helpful Links 

Register Today for the Special Needs Shelter 

All forms are confidential and Emergency Management reviews registrations once a year. Remember to tell your physician, health care provider, home health agency, oxygen company, and medical equipment provider that you are registered for Special Needs.