The Family Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities was created by two Florida agencies to assist families in preparing for a variety of emergencies. The guide provides general instructions for creating segments of a family emergency plan, including guidelines for communicating, keeping pets safe, and building a disaster supply kit. After providing a general basis for family preparedness, the guide focuses on specific planning needs for people with disabilities.
Radiation Emergencies
Events in which the release of radioactive particles has potential to harm people's short-term or long-term health. Examples of short-term health effects from exposure to radioactive particles may include burns, Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), and delayed risks for pregnancy, lung health, and eye health. Long-term health effects due to radiation exposure may include malignancy. Examples of an event during which radioactive particles may be released include a nuclear power plant accident or intentional detonation of a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD or "dirty bomb"). For more information, please visit the CDC page on radiation emergencies.
Background
Connecticut experiences a wide array of seasonal hazards, such as severe winter storms, hurricanes, and floods, and it must also prepare for accidents stemming from man-made disasters, infectious disease, or incidents at the two nuclear power plants located within its region. The effect of Tropical Storm Irene on the East Coast in summer 2011 and a rare October Nor’easter two months later highlighted Connecticut’s susceptibility to a variety of natural/seasonal hazards.
Background
Radiological preparedness has become a significant issue for public health agencies planning ways to address a dirty bomb detonation or fallout from an industrial accident. Jurisdictions containing nuclear power plants, however, have integrated emergency preparedness into their normal activities for decades.
Many state and local public health departments are increasingly focused on preparing for a radiological emergency. Given public health's fairly recent involvement in radiological preparedness, along with the scientific complexity of the field, training responders can be an extensive and overwhelming task.
The New York State Department of Health led a cross-jurisdictional exercise to examine its response to a radiological threat in summer 2009. The Empire 09 exercise involved testing myriad strategies to respond to two "dirty bombs" (Radiological Dispersal Devices) within New York's capital city of Albany.
