Emergencies and disasters usually happen without notice. To help the population cope with a man-made or natural emergency the health unit and other local government agencies have emergency response plans to help. Townships and cities are mandated to keep a current emergency response plan on hand, and to be familiar with the plan. The emergency response plan tells each government agency what it is responsible for when a disaster strikes. The response plans also lists names, addresses and phone numbers of private resources that are available and willing to help during a crisis situation. A current copy of each township's or cities emergency response plan is kept on hand at Public Health Services.

As part of an emergency response team Public Health Services' expertise and man-power would be necessary in ensuring a safe water and food supply; insect and rodent control; refuse collection, storage and disposal; sewage abatement; household cleanup; and environmental health and safety concerns.

For further information contact Chatham-Kent Public Health Services at (519) 352-7270 or e-mail us at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca