Office of Emergency Preparedness

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

A public health emergency can be caused by an outbreak of disease, like COVID-19 or measles, a snowstorm, a heat wave, or a lengthy power outage that limits access to supplies and services for several days, especially affecting those who are medically dependent. Continuing to take all precautions may be difficult, but don’t let your guard down now.

Prepare and protect yourself and your family

female health care provider vaccinating a female patient

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations are up-to-date. They can review your vaccination history and let you know which vaccines you may need based on your age, health, and other factors. Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations can help protect you and those around you from serious diseases.

Emergency Contact Cards

Create emergency contact cards for all household members. Write the contact information for each household member, such as work, school and cell phone numbers. Fold the card so it fits in your pocket, wallet or purse. Carry the card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

Prescription and Over the Counter Medications

Have at least a 2-week supply of prescription and non-prescription medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies to treat fever and other symptoms.

ReadyNotify Alert System

ReadyNotify is the emergency notification system used by Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to issue notifications to the public regarding emergency events, weather warnings, and other community notifications. Sign up at ReadyNotify.US and select Cleveland. Participating in the ReadyNotify Program is voluntary. A valid email address and phone number will be needed to sign-up.

Preparedness Kits

One of the cornerstones of Preparedness is having the supplies you need when you need them. FEMA recommends a basic kit, but a personal preparedness kit can include anything you want or need. Keep it portable and only essential items. Below are suggestions and recommendations for kits that can save lives.

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping the gas tank full and if you are stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Water: one-gallon per day - per person
Food: Non-Perishable
Battery-Powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlights and Extra Batteries
First Aid Kit and Necessary Medications
List of all prescription Medications
Prescription Medications and Glasses
Signal Whistle
Dust Mask(s)
Personal Sanitation Items
Tools to turn off Utilities (wrench and pliers)
Can Opener for Food (if kit contains canned food)
Local Maps

Jumper Cables
Flashlights and Extra Batteries
First Aid Kit and Necessary Medications
Prescription Medications and Glasses
Food Items Containing Protein Such as Nuts and Energy Bars; Canned Fruit and Portable Can Opener
Water for Each Person and Pet in Your Car
AM/FM Radio to Listen to Traffic Reports and Emergency Messages
Cat Litter, Oil Dry, or Sand for Better Traction
Shovel and Ice Scraper
Warm Clothes, Gloves, Hat, Sturdy Boots, Jacket and an Extra Chang of Clothes
Blankets and Sleeping Bags

Food: 3-Days in an Adequate Container
Water: 3-Day Consumption
Medicines and Medical Records
First Aid Kit: Talk to Your Veterinarian About What Your Pet Needs
Collar With ID Tags, Harness, or Leash
Crate or Other Pet Carrier
Sanitation: Litter, Newspaper, and Items to Clean Up Messes
A Picture of You and Your Pet Together:
A Picture Can Help With the Reunification Process
Familiar Items, Such as Toys to Help Reduce Stress

More resources are available on the FEMA Pet Preparedness website.

A Fully-Charged Cell Phone and Charger
Important Family Documents
Flares or Reflective Triangles
Baby Formula and Diapers if Necessary

Likely Hazards for Clevelanders

photo of flooded water up to a traffic signal sign.

Flooding

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flooding may result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems. Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning.

Learn More

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime. It can include hazardous conditions from thunderstorms – such as damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding – as well as winter storms with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.

Learn More

Power Outages

Power outages can occur without notice from severe weather, utility blackouts, snow and ice storms, or strong winds. Whatever the reason, power outages can affect Ohioans over for extended period of time.

Learn More

How You Can Help

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) is a volunteer organization that supports local public health departments with their emergency preparedness initiatives. Volunteers from 59 cities, villages, and townships in Cuyahoga County make up the CCMRC. These dedicated volunteers to use their professional expertise to improve the public health of their communities on an ongoing basis. During times of crisis and non-crisis, volunteers will supplement the existing public health infrastructure to improve overall preparedness and to promote healthy behaviors, prevention of disease, and provision of care in the community.

The Cuyahoga County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs educate volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and train them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.